Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3
2010
Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

The funny thing about Pixar movies for me is that I usually need to see them twice or three times before appreciating them for what they are. This is the first time that I have seen a Pixar movie and liked it the first time. Scratch that, LOVED it the first time. I saw this movie with no certain expectations. I knew it would be funny. I knew it would be cute. I knew it would be a lot like the first 2. The relationship I had already had with the characters allowed me to focus in on the movie and not trying to decipher who was who and who was where.

It must be hard to write movies like this. Movies that integrate a lot of pop culture need to be spot on or they can just fall flat. Seeing Toy Story 3 was like seeing the first Shrek for the first time again. The integration of nearly every toy we had as a kid and it's "personality" seemed to fit for EVERY toy. Toy Story 1 and 2 did this as well. But there is just something about seeing a Ken doll acting like all of America thinks he would act. There is something about a unicorn with a deep voice that drew us all in. And I'll tell you, it worked.

The story, the characters (new and old), and the sentiment of the movie all rang true for so many of our lives. The animation was fantastic, the jokes were even better. There's just something about a movie that leaves you smiling that has you begging for more. The friends I saw it with and I walked out of the theater saying "I want to see it again".

Watching Andy get ready for college is the main plot of the movie. The toys are scurrying around hoping to be kept as Andy and his mother are packing boxes that either go to college, go in the attic, or get thrown out. The following adventure throws us into a world of a day care center, crazy toddlers, and a collection of toys we won't soon forget. The representation of each toy holds true once again in this film. And even though some of us might not know what certain toys are like, you still feel a connection with each and every one.

There were no dumb songs like in Toy Story 2. There was not a completely complicated story line that tried to reach too far. There was a story line representing the toys that they are and throwing them into an adventure that keeps people glued to their seats. On another quick note, the short film before it was phenomenal. It will soon be a very popular video I believe once a lot of people see it. The way it was shot was beautiful and words aren't needed for the characters to create a strong relationship.

Toy Story 3 was phenomenal. I don't really throw that word around too often. But it was. It was by far the best in the series and also the funniest. There are a lot of movies made now-a-days, but only a few actually catch my eye as really, really good. Toy Story 3 caught my eye.

Stars (out of 4): * * * *