Director: Lee Unkrich
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: First 5-star rating, hip hip hizzah. I love the Toy Story series. Heck, I pretty much love everything Pixar has ever done. You get nervous when Disney starts puking out sequels of movies... I mean who could forget Bambi II or 102 Dalmatians direct to DVD wonders. But, Pixar, I guess maintains enough control to keep their sequels from being ridiculous cashgrabs. As I mentioned, I love the first two Toy Story movies, and I can say without out a doubt that Toy Story 3 is actually my favorite.
I didn't do any reading ahead of time, or pay any attention to previews of this movie, so I went in without knowing what the conflict would be. Well, they took the nuclear option this time. Andy has turned 18 and will be heading off the college very soon. Though Andy had parted ways with some of his toys over the years via garage sale the core was still most in place: Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Jesse, the Piggybank, and our trio of Aliens who worship The Claw. The filmmakers build tension in the plot by asking the question, what will Andy do with the toys he hasn't really been interested in for years when he heads off to college. Everything seems to shaping up for a decision in which he takes Woody to college and leaves the rest of his toys in the attic. There's a snag however that sees Mom misunderstanding that the toys were meant for storage and instead throws them out. This kicks off a long journey for our toys starting in a totalitarian daycare center and ending with a truly tender and bittersweet tearjerker of an ending.
This film explores themes not unlike the previous installments of Toy Story-- honesty, corruption, fear, fearmongering and above all loyalty. Our characters face new challenges and conquer them primarily with loyalty and honesty. It's a wonderful message and it's delivered adroitly. If you're loyal to your fellow man, you'll come out okay. It doesn't mean things won't change, or that things will always go your way... But you'll come out of it loved by those around you. I believe that, and so did the filmmakers here. Anyone, child or adult should watch this movie and enjoy it. (5 stars)
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