Toy Story 3
Directed by Lee Unkrich
Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Rated G
The third installment of the Toy Story series is noticeably different from the first two outings. As much as every subsequent Pixar film was clearly a descendant of the sensibilities, characterizations and form of 1995’s Toy Story, this film is undeniably influenced by its own offspring. From the get-go, it’s apparent that Pixar’s penchant for exploring serious themes will not be absent. As Andy prepares to head off to college, the toys are left to collect dust in a toy box in 17-year-old Andy’s room. When they are donated to a day-care center, the toys discover that it isn’t the promised land of playtime they were led to believe it would be. Instead, they end up in the toddler room, a hellish nightmare of drool, crayons, glue, glitter and destruction. Their attempts to be moved are squelched by the established hierarchy of veteran toys, headed by a cruel toy who is still aching from the sting of abandonment by his owner. Realizing that life would be better in the attic, the toys make a run for it.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Pixar has outdone themselves yet again. They are the most consistent force working in animation, constantly pushing themselves artistically and technically, never content to rest on their laurels. The makers of Shrek seem happy to rake in cash based on the premise that if people like the characters already, they’ll love those characters making fart jokes.
Toy Story 3 is a fitting finale to the pioneering series. Since I was 9 or 10 when the original came out, perhaps the movie resonated with me more than it will with others. It’s a fantastic idea to introduce a younger generation to the same characters that many adults cherish and will serve to bridge age gaps at the movies more than any wink-wink, bawdy joke will. The movie admits that, as time passes, people change and things move along whether we’re on board or not. There’s something special about characters from my childhood helping Adult Me learn that lesson. The finale is well earned, offering a heart-warming resolution that doesn’t reach for sentimentality. It’s a great way to say good bye to the characters and gives us a chance to interact with our childhoods one more time.
As a side note, Toy Story 3 was preceded by a short called Day & Night, one of the best Pixar shorts I’ve seen yet. Its simple yet exceedingly clever premise hearkens back to the style of older cartoons and manages to fit in a lesson that is direct and sincere.
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Ryan Ebling has an as-yet meaningless degree in English and Communications. He currently works in a high school special education classroom.
I already wanted to see this, but your review sealed it. I know what I’m doing this week.
I was constantly surprised at the punches they weren’t willing to pull.
I’ll second your comments on the short. The shorts are usually pretty good, and I’m glad they tried something that wasn’t showy, but still arresting.
Just as an added remark- the 3D does nothing. Totally pointless. Fantastic movie though, couldn’t ask for a better ending.
And third the comments on the short.