Film Review: Toy Story 3

Upon the release of 2006's 'Cars', there was a certain degree of worry amongst Pixar fans that the company would churn out a miss or two from time to time. This would be a worry if it were a truism as anyone who has seen 'Up' will tell you, it was one of the most emotive films ever put to screen. A few deep breaths were needed in the first five minutes to ensure I wouldnt well up like the chubby middle aged (apparently self aware) man that was sitting in the row in front. Weirdly still, the children in the cinema were just chilling back enjoying the nice 3D images and not really taking in the story of a love lost coupled with the concept of ageing alone. Oh lard. In a similar vein, I find it weird that the Toy Story franchise that consists of characters in the form of animated toys can bring out my sentimental sensibilities. This could be an explanation as to why the series thus far has been so successful.

The third instalment begins with a now 17 year old Andy who's primary focus is preparing for college and not playing with his toys. Things go from bad to worse when his mother mistakenly takes them to 'Sunnyside Daycare' - a nursery where owner-less toys go to retire. Andy's toys appear to have a warm welcome with an old timer Teddy bear 'Lotso' moving them into the playroom that has the youngest children. It all seems too perfect until they soon discover that there is a nazi-esque hierarchy controlling everyone but those at the top of the pile.


Upon joining the disgustingly evil Disney corporation, Pixar demanded that they would only agree to make sequels if the storyline was exceptional and not just a cash-in that would ruin its reputation. The good news is, it is a great sequel and a perfect ending to the series.

The new characters such as Lotso (Ned Beatty), a Ken doll (Michael Keaton) who repeatedly reiterates that he is not a girls toy and an English (classically trained) stuffed hedgehog (Timothy Dalton) are just a few of the new faces that appear in the film. The brilliance of Pixar adding new additions to the plot are that that they are are fully formed without detracting from the characters we have grown up to love.

The plot is fresh and exciting with laughs aplenty - Buzz Lightyear's Latino turn is definitely a key moment of hilarity. Conversely, the penultimate scene moves into more a darker territory, where the setting is of a hellish metal incinerator. I don't know how Pixar do it, even if Daniel Day Lewis was replaced in the scene, I doubt it would have conjured such emotion in the audience.

Toy Story 3 is a triumph in animated film making and a sensational way to end it all. Each scene is delicately detailed and looks astonishing (take note James Cameron you waste of time and money). The plot is focussed and doesn't cheapen itself with lame gags (take note James Cameron) and is definitely one of this years most thoroughly enjoyable films (again, take note James Cameron).