And As the Years Go By, Our Friendship Will Never Die…

In 1995, the Walt Disney Company and Pixar introduced the world to Toy Store, a movie made completely using computer generated images (CGI). It also introduced us to Andy and his toys: Woody the Cowboy (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberg), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles), Slinky Dog (Jim Varney) and the Aliens from Pizza Planet.

Fifteen years and a sequel later, Toy Story 3 picks up as Andy has finally grown up and is packing for college. His days of play are behind him and his toys—now including Jessie the Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Mrs. Potato Head (Estelle Harris) and Bullseye the Horse—miss their owner. After a series of mishaps, Andy’s beloved toys and Barbie (Jodi Benson)end up in Sunnyside Daycare. The gang meets the leader of the daycare toys, Lot-So-Love Bear (Ned Beatty), and Ken (Michael Keaton), who is immediately attracted to Barbie. After spending one day in the daycare, the toys learn it isn’t all it is cracked up to be and try to find their way back to Andy.

The movie has two great storylines going and reminds viewers why Pixar is revitalizing the movie experience. The first storyline was of course growing up and moving on. Andy is doing both and thereby forces his toys to do the latter. In many cases, the original audience of “Toy Story” is Andy’s age, my sister included. She and I have moved on from our toys of old, like many of adults have done. But like Andy and Woody, there is still that one toy that you hold on to and need to keep you going. In essence, the buddy story has become the coming-of-age story featuring toys.

The other storyline is the prison break plot featuring the daycare center. Frankly, upon reviewing the past three movies, each featured this plotline. But this one was by far the best. It reinforced to the toys that they need each other and are better together. And do it with one of their own on the fritz (Buzz in Spanish mode is a delight!) It is also nail-biting and makes you really worry that your favorites may not make it home this time.

The animation is still top-notch, as one would expect from Pixar. The script from John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich is fast-paced, properly sentimental and throws some great gems to the audience. There are also connections to the first movies for viewers to keep their eyes open for (Example: Pay close attention to the garbage-man) and serves as a great ending for a great series.

Or, knowing Disney, is could even serve as a great new beginning. You make the choice.

Out of five Mickeys, I rate this movie:

Walt would be proud!