Toy Story 3 Review

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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In 1995 I was six years old and, Pixar put out its first feature film. Toy Story was a roller coaster ride of emotion that gave my six year old self a run for its money. Toy Story 2 in 1999 did the same thing. But, it always felt like there was just a bit more of the story that had yet to be told. Well, the end of the story is here. Toy Story 3 is the same roller coaster ride of emotion that not only works on the five year old level but, is also the most emotionally stimulating film I have seen in years.

We rejoin the toys ten years after the second film. Andy has grown up and is heading off to college. Most of the toys have survived the trip, only one of the main toys is not in this film but, it is not the worst thing in the world. The toys have been dealing with neglect for years since Andy is too old to play with them. This feeling of neglect  is what starts the film’s adventure.

The first thing I need to address is how well the film handles all the emotions that occur throughout the runtime. They all flow very naturally and by the end, the tears were flowing from my face. We see everything from neglect, to happiness, to sadness, to abandonment, to unprecedented joy, to anger, to relief, to terror, to sadness and so on. My inner child and my adult self were effected both equally and greatly by the amazing story telling in the film.

Which brings me to the story itself. All the characters, even the new ones, are all developed beautifully. The opening scene does an excellent job of reintroducing the characters without acting as if we have never heard of them before. The new characters do not feel forced at all and really help to push the story.

Now, as for the ending, without giving anything away I can say that it really closes the book on the toys. Everything comes full circle and we are finally left with a real sense of closure unlike what we had at the end of Toy Story 2. This is also some of the best character acting in any film (live action or animated) this year. The relationship between Woody and Buzz is stronger than ever and we also see some very natural love interests. All the toys are back in full force in the best possible way.

Visually the film is beautiful. Now, I saw my showing in 2D but, don’t worry, that doesn’t change a thing. While you can see certain scenes where the 3D effect can be utilized, like AVATAR, it doesn’t take away from the film as a whole. The world that’s set up is still as colorful and lively as ever and, when the toys are in true peril the world’s look helps to really get it across.

I don’t think there was a question in anyone’s mind as to whether or not Toy Story 3 would be good. No, the question was how good? The answer isn’t good… It’s great. This is a perfect film. There is NOTHING negative I can say about it. It’s film making that will stand the test of time. It was nice to have one final ride with the toys and, here’s hoping the rest of their existence is just a joyful as it was at the start of Toy Story.

10/10