Review: Toy Story 3

Creating a successful sequel is a difficult task. There are hundreds of examples of sequels that went wrong. Toy Story 2 took what was great about the first and made it even better, connecting with the child in us even more than the first did. For a second sequel, doing this again in a fresh way puts more pressure to make the movie the best in the series. Toy Story 3 is just that, the best of the series. Pixar has raised the bar, yet again.

I still remember watching Toy Story for the first time with my grandmother 15 years ago, being in awe of toys coming to life. Toy Story defined the computer animation genre and Pixar has been king ever since. No more bland computer animated models with basic arm, leg or mouth movements, but rather something painstakingly detailed that flowed naturally, as if it were real. Toy Story looks dated compared to its two sequels, but at the time it was the cream of the crop. Toy Story 3 takes the emotion and adventure to new heights that provides a grand, tear jerking conclusion. I was hooked throughout the entire film, and the opening sequence was pure genius, being able to capture Andy’s imagination rather than imagining it yourself as we did in the opening of the first two movies.

One of the things my wife and I love about most Pixar movies is the diverse set of characters they introduce. We are huge Pixar fans and have loved every movie they have made; some more than others, but not one has left us disappointed and instead, left us wanting so much more. The chemistry and interaction with these diverse characters, I think, is one of the best qualities Pixar includes in each of their films. No one is out of place or is merely included so as to provide some kind of comedic factor, and in nearly each film they are able to deliver beautifully without relying on clichéd comedy. Toy Story, Monster’s, Inc., Finding Nemo and WALL-E are beautiful examples of how these unique and diverse characters make the film all that much more fun and enjoyable. Toy Story 3 continues this trend even further with more toys than you can track, and it made for a wonderful work of art.

After the movie was over and I was finally able to bat away the last of my tears, my wife and I began to recount what we just saw. We both agreed that this was a masterpiece, a great way close the book on one of the greatest stories we have ever been told. Technically there could be a fourth movie about what happens with their new owner, I do not believe it would do it justice. Pixar was against doing a third film for several years unless, in classic Pixar tradition, there was a great story to be told. They delivered this amazing story, exceeding its two predecessors, and ended on a sad but progressive note. It was reminiscent to how Lost ended, with having to let go of what we had been attached to for so long. The endings to both were beautifully done, and rarely is there something that I watch that moves me in such a way.

Reflecting back on it, I feel like screaming at Pixar to stop making get emotional while watching their movies. Going back to the closing seconds of Monster’s, Inc., the momentous reunion in Finding Nemo, the captivation of WALL-E, and the harsh reality of Up, Pixar proves why they are the head honcho in computer animated movies. Original and fascinating children’s stories, yet smart enough to be loved and enjoyed by people of all ages. Pixar’s quality brims in not only their excellence in animation, but also in the telling of a story. Also worth noting is the musical mastery that is included in each film, striking the right tones at the right time, further enhancing the experience. Toy Story 3 gets a 10 out of 10. Movie perfection!

As an added bonus, here is a great trailer called Groovin’ with Ken, who was played to perfection by Michael Keaton.