Toy Story 3 is a more than worthy addition to the Toy Story series, and it continues Pixar’s streak as the premiere animation studio working in feature films today. The story takes place as Andy is about to leave for college, and our fabled heroes are preparing for the move…into the attic. At least that’s Woody’s plan for the rest of the toys, whether they agree or not. Over a mishap in communication, however, the toys end up at the local daycare center, where toys are given a second life and a chance to play with children again. The toys also meet the patriarch of the center, a wise, gregarious teddy bear named Lotso (as in “Lotso Hugs”) and Barbie’s famed boyfriend Ken. Things go ok upon arrival, but then the toys suddenly realize that the daycare turns out to be run more or less like a prison, and the toys begin to plan their escape.
The second half of the film cleverly plays homage to prison films of the past, primarily The Great Escape and Cool Hand Luke. Thankfully, the film always keeps the characters in mind first and foremost and never devolves into straight imitation. Woody and co.’s plans for escape have to get more and more elaborate in order to fool the likes of the antagonists, which is often played off as both clever and very funny. One sequence involves Mr. Potato Head “shedding” his skin to become Mr. Tortilla Head, and hilarity ensues as he tries to adjust to his new body. As usual, Pixar’s animation and attention to detail are beyond comparison, and the voice acting is once again top notch. In addition to the regulars, Ned Beatty does an excellent job as the aforementioned Lotso, and Michael Keaton shows up to give a humorous turn as Ken. There are also notable cameos from Bonnie Hunt and Timothy Dalton, playing some of Woody’s newfound friends.
Of all three Toy Story films, this third installment probably packs the most action, especially during the toys’ actual escape and subsequent unexpected trip to the garbage facility. However, it’s final 20 minutes also hold probably the most gravitas found not only within the series but almost anything Pixar has attempted thus far. The harrowing sequence at the garbage facility is played with the utmost seriousness concerning the plight of the toys, and it’s almost too unbearable to watch. Whereas other films might try and make light of the situation by inserting a cheap gag or two, this film chooses to linger on their traumatic situation, all without a word spoken from any of the toys. This decision pays off masterfully, as we really feel for the characters and wonder how much differently we ourselves would react to such a situation. The final scene is also a bittersweet goodbye to the toys that we have come to know and love over the years, and as we see Andy drive away for college, we feel a sudden twinge as well.
Sequels can often times become a cause for concern, where something might get lost in the attempt to make everything bigger and top the previous installment. Thankfully, Toy Story 3 sidesteps this trap by keeping the focus on the characters and giving them a situation that feels less forced and more like their natural progression. Although the film could be classified as a kid’s movie, it’s really made for the ones that grew up with the Toy Story franchise, and it’s only fitting that we get a proper chance to say goodbye to some of our favorite toys.
Rating: 4 ½ stars
