Film Review

Left to right: Buzz Lightyear, Andy, and Woody. Film still © Disney/Pixar.

Rating: (5 out of 5)
Director: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton

“Toy Story 3” is the final part of Pixar’s first brainchild. Their pioneer film was released in 1995, a simple story about toys coming to life when nobody was watching them. It was a major success that enthralled millions of children and adults around the world, and also bought the name “Pixar” to life! When Pixar studio united with Disney, it resulted in dominating the children’s motion picture industry—examples of known features are “Finding Nemo” (2003) and “The Incredibles” (2004). With huge budgets and even greater box-office takings, Pixar’s animation style has almost entirely replaced hand-drawn cartoons and dwarfed competitors—most notably Dreamworks. It is with the company sitting at the top of the animation and business world, that it has returned to the story that started it all.

Has Pixar taken a step too far reviving “Toy Story?” Thankfully, no! There is simply no point in doing a sequel unless the production intends to equal or improve its predecessors. And given the success, critical acclaim achieved by the first two films, the third one would not be an easy task to make. However, Pixar staying true to their reputation have made yet another phenomenal movie! It starts eleven years after the release of “Toy Story 2” (1999), we are now reunited with Woody, Buzz and most of the gang, but Andy (boy) has grown up and is moving away to college. As the years went by, the toys were already beginning to prepare themselves for life in the attic. But they mistakenly end up at a daycare centre which is ruthlessly overseen by a less-than-friendly teddy bear and his henchmen (who is one of the film’s greatest triumphs, a self-obsessed Ken doll). As a result, “Toy Story 3” turns into a classic style prison break tale, where the toys attempt to free themselves to make it back home.

Left to right: Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Hamm, Barbie, Woody, Rex, Slinky Dog, Buzz Lightyear, and Aliens. Film still © Disney/Pixar

The entire story is as perfect as the other two films and it possesses that Disney magic that captures the heart and minds of both young and old. Although it is a sequel and filled with in-jokes, the third installment continues to build from the others and makes it well worth the trip to cinema theaters. (Perhaps it is not worth the extra money for the 3D specs as there is very little use made of the technology). “Toy Story 3” is funny, entertaining, and never feels boring or obvious which the latter is sometimes a problem with children’s motion pictures. The movie really earns its cowboy hat with the emotional content, i.e. moments that pull the audience through elation and joy to genuine fear and even a few tears. Above all, the known and loved characters return (Woody, Buzz…), but the addition of new ones is really what makes this film special. It is a great watch for the whole family and a must see for this summer.