Toy Story 3: Review

Toy Story 3 was directed by Lee Unkrich.

This has been the film I've been looking forward to since Disney purchased Pixar. We all knew it was coming, but no one knew what to expect. There is no doubt in my mind that I can call this my favorite Pixar film yet. Sorry Wall·e, but no matter how much I love the first silent portion of the film along with the subsequent thrill ride, Toy Story 3 just tops it. From the opening sequence which makes for a terrific reintroduction to the characters we know and love, to the final emotional moments, it not only is a wonderful Pixar film, it is a fantastic film, for everyone.

Sitting in the theater opening night, there were barely any children. The majority of people waiting around were teenagers, about to begin college this fall; The same age as Andy in Toy Story 3. Perhaps this is what made the film have such a strong emotional feeling to it, especially at the ending, and it was not simply the fact there was never a dull moment, nor anything which felt forced. Instead, we got a roller coaster of a film, filled with laughs, memories, and emotion.

While Pixar always has its moments in their films, such as the "Married Life" sequence in Up, the silent "Day in the Life of" Wall·e, or the "Route 66 Memories" moment of Cars, Toy Story 3 is something else. From this same beginning scene that reminded us how and why we loved the characters of the first two films, we also feel an emotional connection to the characters. When you see Woody first come on screen, you remember watching Toy Story for the first time, in 1995. When you see Andy as a kid playing out the story, you remember playing with toys when you were a kid just like him. Pixar's amazing ability to perfectly capture the humanity and emotion of everyday life is even more spectacular and profound in this film.

Promoted as the "Breakout Comedy of the Summer", you'd think this will be a funny movie, and oh boy is it. Whether it's the familiar humorous dialogue that the original Toy Story came with, or more prominently the "little things" that you notice from other Pixar films, most specifically the prior two films. For most of the time when I was watching, someone was laughing at something, although almost the complete time they were not alone. From the Spanish speaking, Salsa dancing Buzz, to Mr. Potato Head's antics, the expertise of Hamm, or the always enthusiastic Rex, there is never a moment not to laugh or smile at. Especially if you're on the lookout for Pixar's masterful references to other films (both past and future).

Without giving away too much, it's quite easy to say this is a must see film, especially for anyone who grew up with the other two. Not only is it a fantastic film in its own regard as both a comical and equally emotionally moving thrill, for anyone who grew up with the previous Toy Story films, you will come out of the theater with a different feeling and view about life. Of the group I saw this with, all but two are leaving for college next year, and we were all surprised with just how moving the emotion and almost bizarre humanity of the ending scene was. There's something that can not truly be said about that human aspect and connection that Pixar is capable of creating in their films, and Toy Story 3 is the best example so far.

Go see Toy Story 3 this weekend. Not in 3D, it will only distract you (not to mention 3D is just a terrible way to view a film). Go see it with your friends, you'll all enjoy it, whether they see it as a fun film or a moving film. Get there early enough to catch the short Day & Night before the feature, and definitely don't get up and miss a moment. Stick around for the traditional Pixar credits as well. Go rediscover what being a kid feels like again.It's worth it.

Purchase your Toy Story 3 ticket on Fandango now.