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ALARIS' REVIEWS
27th June 2010
Toy Story 3: 3D (2010)
In 1995, Pixar Animation Studios began their foray into the world of feature films with Toy Story (1995), a smart, sweet and funny fantasy about the toys who inhabit a young boy's bedroom. Fifteen years and ten movies later, Toy Story 3 brings the tale full circle – the boy has grown up, and the toys must decide where their future lies.
I've enjoyed every Pixar movie (except Cars, 2006), and Toy Story 3 well deserves its place in the Toy Story trilogy. From bittersweet start to bittersweet finish, it's a classic Pixar. The dilemmas faced by the toys feel real and urgent, and their questions about purpose and place have no simple answers. The pacing is excellent, with every dramatic hurdle leading smoothly to the next.
The animation is gorgeous and colourful, and while the technology has probably improved vastly since the first movie, it never distracts from the story.
As always, the characters are great. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are solid as the trusty leads, Woody and Buzz, and every new character eg. Chuckles (Bud Luckey) is wonderfully distinctive. Miyazaki fans will squee at a cute cameo.
Toy Story 3 is deeply imbued with themes of friendship, purpose, courage, and grace – the kind of ideas every kid needs regular exposure to. The film also touches on issues of authority and equity, with a nice homage to prison films. There are moments of genuine poignancy amongst the fun and adventure, and one moving scene in particular is almost too intense for younger children. Great stuff.
Toy Story 3 is another classic example of how you can create an entertaining children's movie, without sacrificing emotional intensity and meaning.
Verdict: Another enjoyable classic from Pixar, perfect for adults as well as kids. Enormous fun, with a tear or two.
If you like Toy Story, you'll probably like this.
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