Toy Story 3

In another summer blockbuster that seemed to spike everyone’s interest except mine, Toy Story 3 takes a humungous swipe at the box office fifteen years after the first film’s release. This time around the crew deals with their owner, Andy, leaving for college and they face the prospect of being donated or, even worse, thrown away. The plot then evolves into a take on The Great Escape as they attempt to break free from a daycare center lead by a maniacal teddy bear.

It baffles me as to how this film was able to maintain a G rating in the face of violence, bigotry, and a ton of scary moments. While the first two films play with these concepts the third installment tells the audience to never throw anything away because you may be sentencing that object to death by incinerator, or trash compactor. I’m sure this does wonders for the consciences of children who are entering their teenage years and no longer need their toys.

The movie is very well done. Disney Pixar has perfected how to appeal emotionally to an audience of varying ages, and bringing back their original Toy Story characters makes it just plain heartbreaking. The contributing voice talents of the veteran actors involved definitely helps too. Tom Hanks plays Woody and this time around the character acts as a true lead dominating the screen time more than in the original two films. The other main players, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and Jessie (Joan Cusack), take a step back to join the deep cast of toys as support.

In addition to the sheer amount of fear experienced throughout, there are quite a few laugh-out-loud moments that almost all of the characters get a chance at producing. But, it was hard for the jokes to build on each other as they traded off with the sad incidents. It’s tough to let loose at the banter of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head immediately after you find out that some of the less memorable toys from the other films were sold or thrown away. It seemed like doing stand-up comedy at a funeral. In the long run, Toy Story 3 might be considered the best of the trilogy but that doesn’t necessarily mean your toddler can handle it. Unless your toddler is a fan of Schindler’s List. Then they should be fine. (7.7 out of 10)