"Toy Story 3" Is an Amazing and Enlightening Animated Film!!!
As the film starts, Andy, the toys’ owner, is now headed off to college and doesn’t really reach out to his childhood playthings anymore. Despite a last minute attempt to get their possessor to play with them, the toys are meant to be stored in the attic; except for Woody, whom Andy plans to take to college. However, the rest of the toys are mistaken for trash and are put on the side of the street. Woody attempts to save his friends, but they all make it to Andy’s mother’s car; in which there is a box that is to be brought to a local daycare center so they would be played with and not abandoned. As Woody attempts to talk sense to his friends, Andy’s Mother starts the car and soon the gang arrives at Sunnyside; the daycare center. Once they are away from the adults in the playroom, all the toys come to life and excitingly introduce themselves to the new arrivals; who are all happy, except for Woody, who still believes that Andy is still their owner. Andy’s toys are introduced to Lots-O’ Huggin’ Bear; an elderly-purple stuffed teddy bear that walks with the aid of a cane and serves as the center’s official leader. Their new host shows them around the center and where they will be staying. The new arrivals are also introduced to Ken, a groovy and stylish doll, who instantly falls in love with Barbie; a Barbie doll, formally owned by Andy’s younger sister, that had gotten mixed into the group. At first, Sunnyside seems like the perfect place for the toys as they assume that they’ll always be played with and never replaced. But, Woody’s heart is still with Andy and the toys find out that not everything is as perfect as it seems at their new home. And throughout the course of Toy Story 3, there are plenty of laughs as well as many surprises that leave you at the edge of the seat as you wait to see what happens next.
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As a lover of the first two "Toy Story" films, it is great to see how committed everyone is to playing their part in the making of the film. First of all, I must applaud Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks for his dedication to voicing the resolute Woody the Cowboy. It is great to see that while the acclaimed celebrity was producing and narrating the HBO miniseries "The Pacific" over the past year as well as directing the film Larry Crowne, which is scheduled for release this year, Hanks was able to set aside time reprise the role of the beloved character he first voiced in 1995. As the toys’ fearless and devoted leader Woody, Hanks speaks every word with such great passion and enthusiasm that you could almost expect that he was performing the character on screen right in front of your eyes; than rather than simply working in front of a microphone behind the animation. Also, Tim Allen once again gives a powerful performance as the intergalactic Buzz Lightyear; the toys’ second-in-command. But, most importantly, the chemistry between Hanks and Allen is stronger than ever as they voice their designated characters. And, it is wonderful to see how far the two have progressed since the first installment where they were at odds since they are both different in design, background, and individuality. Now, in the third installment, Woody and Buzz have developed a strong and healthy relationship as they both know their owner loves them both; even if it appeared that he just doesn’t have the same spark of energy he possessed when he was younger. Nevertheless, the pair workm well together; just as their respected voice actors have been doing since they first voiced the characters all these years ago.
Along with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen returning to supply their voices to their respective characters, it is great to see the principle characters return for the film series’ third installment with their original performers. For instance, Don Rickles returns to provide the same biting and sarcastic tone to Mr. Potato-Head; who continues to question Woody’s leadership just as much as he did in the first film. Also, Wallace Shawn returns to voice the panic-stricken Rex; a dinosaur toy that is terrified by all the ambiguity of what is going to happen to the group of toys once their owner leaves for college. Also, Pixar staple John Ratzenberger once again reprises his role of the cynical Hamm; a piggy bank who was played with just as much as his fellow cohorts. Joan Cusack also returns to voice Jessie, the spunky cowgirl who first appeared in Toy Story 2; when it was revealed that Woody was featured on a children’s television series; as she was his best friend. Also returning from the second film is Estelle Harris; who voices Mr. Potato Head’s beloved and outspoken wife. Unfortunately, the voice of Slinky Dog is no longer supplied by actor Jim Varney; as he passed away in 2000. Nevertheless, the character returns with the voice of actor Blake Clark; whose similar-sounding voice provides the same amount of heart to the role as the original performer. Henceforth, seeing all the original characters returning to the movie makes the event even more special; as we are basically catching-up with the same beloved characters we grew up with in the mid-to-late nineties. It is just so magical and nostalgic at the same time.
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And while it is great to see the familiar faces of the first two "Toy Story" films return for the third, it is nice to see screenwriters John Lesseter, Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich make the chronicle even fresher by the addition of new friends and foes to the saga. The most prominent new face to the franchise is Lots-O’-Huggin Bear, voiced with down-home country charm by Ned Beatty, who appears to be a jovial and friendly purple teddy-bear; when, in actuality, he is not what he appears to be. Another major new character is Ken, voiced with peppy and flashy enthusiasm by Michael Keaton, who show Andy’s toys around their new home and possesses an immense love for all things fashionable. There are many new characters that pop up throughout the film that carries a unique personality; which enables the audience to get acquainted with each and every one of them-- thus reflecting how we were able to come to love the original characters of the first two films.
And that’s what makes "Toy Story 3" so special: all the characters in the movie appear completely human in nature and personality; rather than just being thought of as just objects that are meant to be played with. The principle characters of the film deal with realistic emotional situations; such as growing up, abandonment, and cooperation. As the film moves forward, the characters must decide whether they should just be passed along to new owners or remain devoted and available to Andy; even as he is ready to move on with his life. Furthermore, the toys know that, no matter what, it is important for them to stick together as they await the inevitable. In addition, the principle villain of the movie proves is one whose heart has been turned hard as a result of not only being abandoned; but also being replaced by the very child that cherished him. As a result, he wants everyone to experience the very same pain he has and that includes our heroes, who end up embarking on a mission to return to where they rightfully belong, despite the dangers they face along the way as long as they are together. Therefore, every toy featured in the movie, good or evil, comes off as authentic as possible in mind and spirit.
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As I write this review, I can’t help but think about how much I have grown up since last seeing Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang on the big screen back in 1999. I have gone from living with my family in New Jersey to living on my own in Connecticut. I am no longer in school as I am now an adult living in the real world. And, as the toys’ owner Andy prepares to go to college and tie up all the loose ends of his life; I remember saying goodbye to all the teachers who had prepared me with the required knowledge in moving forward in my life. But what "Toy Story 3" really comes down to, and I emphasize this heavily as it applies to all of us, is the fact that life goes on. We all move from one stage of life to the next. And, as you watch "Toy Story 3", you can see how everything comes full circle. And, as much as I would love to see another movie in the series, I think everything is wrapped up perfectly. So, as I conclude my review, I congratulate Pixar and Disney for not just making a great animated movie; but for also painting a great and colorful portrait of life. Bravo Pixar and Disney. Bravo!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
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