The most popular and successful animated movie of all-time will soon become one of the most popular and successful DVD’s of all-time.
15 years ago the first computer animated film was released. It was called “Toy Story.” Since then it seems like there have been hundreds of films and thousands of characters, but there’s one gang that still stands out as the best.
It’s been 11 years since we’ve seen Woody, Buzz and company on the big screen and, as “Toy Story 3” begins, we find out that it’s been a long time since any of the toys have been played with. Andy is heading-off to college, so what’s going to happen to everybody?
Andy wants to take Woody with him and keep the rest of the toys in the attic, but instead all of the toys are accidentally sent to Sunnyside Daycare Center, where things start out sunny, but quickly turn bad. There are twists and turns and Woody, as the leader, has to not only try to keep everyone together and safe, but also make some tough decisions about his own future.
“Toy Story 3” has pretty much everything you would ever want, need and hope for in an animated movie. As is almost always the case with Pixar, the story is tremendous. I’ve written in the past that I’ve never cried during a movie but I almost did this time. I’ve loved these characters since I was very little and it’s impossible not to get emotional as their saga wraps-up. If you’re one of the millions of long-time “Toy Story” fans you will not want this movie to end.
There are also some exciting action scenes and loads of fun, new characters, led by Ken, who is voiced by Michael Keaton. And all the big-name voices from the first two films are back, and Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and the rest don’t miss a beat. You’d never think it’s been over a decade since they did these characters for a feature-length film. Just amazing.
The script and dialogue are clever and, of course, the animation is terrific.
“TS3” in the perfect example of what the movie experience should be. It has excitement, laughs, suspense, an emotional story that pulls you in, and characters you root for. And that’s why it’s the best of the series, one of my favorite Pixar films, and clearly the best movie of 2010 so far.
“Toy Story 3” is rated G. There are a few mildly suspenseful scenes that could trouble very little ones, but overall it’s great for all ages. Both kids and adults will enjoy it and be moved by it.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Toy Story 3” get an A (my first A in nearly three years). It is the perfect way to wrap-up this series and it establishes the “Toy Story” franchise as one of the best in movie history.
And the Blu-ray and DVD editions contain tons of extras. If you missed TS3 in theaters that’s too bad, but seeing it for the first time this way isn’t bad, either. And if you already love TS3 like I do, the bonus features only add to the enjoyment of this classic.
And this isn’t the last time we’ll be seeing some of these characters in theaters. Director Lee Unkrich has confirmed that there will be a new “Toy Story” short before next year’s “Cars 2”.
And expect “Toy Story 3” to get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, and, it should be a serious contender to make history and win the award. Sound crazy? Wait and see.