Only my beloved Toy Story could get me to break down and see a movie in 3D, and at AMC Boston Common's new IMAX theater, no less! Fancy! Toy Story 3 picks up about a decade after the previous film, with the toys' owner Andy heading off for college and deciding to store his childhood paraphernalia in the attic while taking Woody with him. The toys are all accidentally donated to a daycare center, which at first seems like the perfect situation- they'll never become forgotten or outdated because there will always be new children to play with them.
Woody believes his place should always be with Andy and begins to make his way back home before he leaves for school, but soon Buzz, Jessie, and the others discover that the daycare is run by a tyrannical stuffed bear and the toddlers are remarkably destructive. With near-impenetrable security, it's up to Woody to save his friends so they can return to Andy together.
I'm of a generation that grew up with the Toy Story movies- in fact seeing the first is one of my earliest film-going memories (it was definitely my little brother's first, which is why it sticks out). The return of these lovable characters and their wondrous world brought on a host of nostalgic feelings tinged with longing, following the onset of my own entry into actual real-life adulthood. Thematically this movie is very much about growing up and adapting to the necessary changes brought about by the passing of time, and that hits close to home.
These characters, who we've come to know so well over what feels like a lifetime (and for people in my age group, it basically is), at first find themselves incapable of coping with the sudden realization that they're not wanted anymore, that they're unnecessary and can't perform the one thing they were created to do- make a child happy. The importance of their usefulness has been hammered in throughout all the films, but becomes even more significant this time around. They slowly realize that even if they're lost, discarded, or forgotten, their friendships with one another and their incredible faith in the ones they love will see them through.
It's not all sentimental seriousness, of course. Right from the gleefully adventurous opening scene, Toy Story 3 is an exercise in adorable, slightly goofy fun that's enjoyable for any age group. The script itself balances out the humor with enough adventure and dramatic moments to make for an absorbing, multi-layered film. The voice acting is superb, with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack bring back their reliable charm (Hanks has especially always stood out for me), along with newcomers Michael Keaton, Ned Beatty, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, and many others. The animation is as lovely and detailed as expected, though the 3D wasn't especially utilized.
A few of the jokes are too corny, the Ken character is sort of a thinly-veiled gay stereotype (I think?), and the ending- while certainly emotionally affecting- is straight out of Drop Dead Fred (another childhood favorite), but all in all Toy Story 3 is a magnificently fitting end to a beloved film series. Like several of Pixar's more recent outings, it tackles adult themes with wit and realism that set a standard for more intelligent "family" films, and perhaps will eventually signal a move to some adult-centric material for the kid-friendly studio.
4.5/5
PS The preceding short "Night and Day" is EXCELLENT, and ranks among my favorite of the Pixar shorts primarily for its sheer imagination.
Further Reading:
1416 and Counting review
Dark of the Matinee review
Not Just Movies review
Where the Buffalo Roam review
Friday, June 25, 2010
Toy Story 3 (2010)
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As you mentioned, this is an interesting choice to break a 3-D embargo, since the 3-D seems to be very subtle in its use. Having watched the 2-D version myself, I can tell you that the lack of a third dimension took nothing away from my enjoyment of the film.
ReplyDeleteLovely review - really liked reading about how you've grown up with these movies.
I've heard that the 3D was subtle, but then that's the Catch-22 of the technology: if you notice it, it's a distraction. If you don't, well then why the hell am I paying 5 bucks more?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link, and I agree with everything you said, including Night and Day. Probably my second favorite of theirs after Presto.
I just saw this one yesterday, I was impressed by the themes, a bit more adult than I expected. I loved the "were all in this together" vibe of the film, they kind of aligned the film with how difficult times are in the world, with this whole bad economy thing, and everyone having to live hectic lives, because of this. Plus the whole lets throw the evil governments into the garbage thing....loved that about it.
ReplyDeleteI loved both this and 'Day and Night' (excellent animation).
ReplyDeleteI loved the short film. It was probably my favorite Pixar short ever.
ReplyDeleteFinally, a franchise that knew how to end with grace, class, and an authenticity to where it began.....I felt like I'd been on a real journey. Made the tears trickle even a little.
Great Review
Those last 15 minutes practically had me balling in my seat, as I noticed not only was Andy saying "bye", I was too. Great film, great review!
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