Toy Story 3
In 1995 my first wife (Tiny’s Mom) and I went to see a revolutionary animated film featuring the antics of toys who came to life when people weren’t watching. Directed by John Lassetter and starring the voices of Tom hanks, Tim Allen, and yes one of my favorite funnymen Don Rickles, Toy Story was a huge success. Toy Story was also revolutionary as it helped launch a multitude of computer animated films to follow. While many companies have tried to duplicate the Magic that is PIXAR, few have come close. Their movies always capture a sense of wonder and awe and they focus on things that we as moviegoers NEED in our theater experience; story and character development.
This weekend PIXAR released its third installment in the Toy Story saga grossing over 109 million dollars in box office revenue. This makes Toy Story 3 the 11th hit that PIXAR has released and the second largest grossing animated film opening behind Shrek the Third. The story is simple and full of familiar characters in familiar sitruations, and yet as John Tweeted Saturday “PIXAR” can do no wrong. I believe John is right and let’s discuss why.
The story of Toy Story 3 opens with Woody and the gang remembering the good old days when they used to play with Andy. These days have long since gone and our toy friends spend a life locked inside a wooden toy chest, hoping that someday they will get played with again. You see, Andy has grown up and getting ready to go off to college. His Mom encourages him to either donate, store, or throw away his old toys. Reluctantly Andy packs up the gang (minus Woody) and begins to haul them off to attic. A case of mistake identity occurs and the toys find themselves on the sidewalk, soon to be fodder for the garbage truck. After breaking free of the bag the toys revolt and sneak into a donation box headed for a day care center.
Once the toys arrive at the center, they are greeted by a lovable pink teddy bear named Lotso-Hugs-A-lot (voiced beautifully by Ned Beatty). He and his partner Ken (Micheal Keaton) run the toy operation at the day care center and they are excited to see a new batch of toys arrive for the kids to play with. The toys themselves are happy to get played with as well, that is until they are whisked into the toddler room where they are abused by bratty kids who have no respect for the toys whatsoever. Buzz complains, only to find out that the whole operation is a racket and he and the rest of the toys must find a way to escape the day care center or face a life of cruel playtime.
There is a ton of things to love about this film. First it follows the PIXAR formula of successful movie making; a simple story that includes moments of character development. We watch as the characters we know and love continue to grow and explore important themes such as loyaty and friendship. We learn what it REALLY means to be a toy and in doing so we are reminded of our youth and how precious our own toys were to us.
I couldn’t help but smile while watching this film, my friends from PIXAR are getting even better at this than they were in 1995. Don’t get me wrong, PIXAR films have always been fun and enjoyable for people of all ages, and the scenes with Ken in this film made me nearly wet myself. But now they tend to be rather touching as well. I think it stared back with Wall-E, as I felt so close to the tiny garbage collecting robot and his friend Eva. Then in UP I found myself weeping like a baby in the first five minutes of the film. Now in Toy Story 3, I couldn’t help but get choked up once again. The last 10 minutes of the film were so heartwarming as Andy and his toy friends have one final moment together. It’s a passing of the torch so to speak leaving things open for Woody and his friends to continue their adventures together.
I didn’t spend the extra money to see this film in 3D, but Tiggermango tells me it was well worth the price. Like all PIXAR movies there is a short 5 minute film preceding the feature. This one is particularly touching and in 3D it adds a special touch. Regardless of whether you choose to shell out the extra cash for the 3D experience, Toy Story 3 is well worth your time. Whether you have kids or not you owe it yourself to go and see this film. The animation is phenomenal and the story is superb, and if you’re a sap like me, you might even walk away feeling like a kid again.
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Tags: 3d, buzz!, John Lassetter, Ken, pixar, Toy Story, Toys, up, Wall-e, Woody
June 22nd, 2010 at 9:24 am
Took my kid to see it on Saturday. We both loved it. When the credit stuff was over at the end, he said, “Dad, is it over?” and I said, “Yeah, buddy. All done.” “Dad, can we watch it again?”
Good stuff. It was the best of the three movies, IMO.
And yes…I teared up at the end.
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I’m just impressed ay how they can take these characters and continue to add in depth and growth for them. How many sequels have been successful at that. And how unique was the story, toys get lost and have to find their way back, but somehow they pull it off. Simply brilliant.
June 22nd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Count me in the tear crowd too. Each of these three films echo one another as the toys are separated and must find each other and their way back to Andy’s care, but, like you say, each one is completely different, and I think each is better than the last. I’ve been dying to see this film since it was first announced that Andy would be going off to college, and wondering about the fate of the beloved plastic friends. Now I can’t wait to see what happens next, though I’ll also be satisfied if this is the final chapter. Great movie, super highly recommended.
June 24th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Yep, Apoch and I saw it in 3D and it was beautifully done. Nothing in your face, just an added depth that really immersed you into the scene. It was REALLY great for the short film! Definitely no regrets over the decision to go 3D. However, if you don’t want to spend the added cash, I don’t think you’d lose anything at all by seeing it in 2D.
I was in the tear crowd too. I told Apoch that if I’m getting all watery-eyed over Andy going to college, I must be destined to be one of those annoying sappy moms in real life!
I personally hope they leave the series alone now, but it’s nice to know that if they DO continue on, it’s still going to be well done!!!
June 27th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
The short film at the beginning was precious and funny. At the end when you hear the Gypsy Kings playing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” in spanish made my day. Perfect beginning and perfect end to a perfect movie. I got teary eyed with my mom and we halved a tissue at the sad stuff. God Bless Pixar.