15 years ago, Pixar Animation Studios welcomed audiences to the world of Toy Story complete with groundbreaking computer graphics, a charming story and unforgettable characters. 4 years later, its sequel, Toy Story 2 became that rare sequel to match the quality of the original, and even challenged it with the depth and tapestry of its narrative. 11 years--and a slew of accolades--later, Pixar has done the seemingly unimaginable by creating a trilogy that has yet to depreciate in quality.
Pixar reassembles its all-star voice cast for Toy Story 3 to tell the story of everyone's favorite cowboy doll, Woody (Tom Hanks), space ranger action figure, Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang as they come to terms with the fact that Andy is no longer a prepubescent longing to play. Instead, Andy is heading off to college and his mom has given him an ultimatum: Donate the toys to a local daycare or to the dumpster they go. Unwilling to part with his old, inanimate friends, Andy belies his mother and opts to store the toys in the attic. However, the toys get lost in the shuffle and, in comical Toy Story manner, manage to escape a trip to the landfill by seeking salvation in the "donation" bin.
The toys--sans Woody, as he is left behind--eventually make their way to Sunnyside Daycare and are, presumably, in toy heaven. They are quickly greeted by Lots'O' Huggin' bear (better known as "Lotso" by the native toys), who assures the new arrivals that they'll never have to fall victim to owners' blues (i.e., kids growing up and parting from them) ever again. However, the toys soon learn that Lotso witheld information: Sunnyside Daycare is anything but sunny, complete with destructive brats who don't know don't play with the toys properly. Beleaguered, the gang realizes that if they are to ever see Andy again, they'll have to devise the perfect plan of escape. Luckily, Woody returns just in time to help the toys escape and reconvene with their beloved owner.
If it wasn't deducible from the synopsis just given, the themes included in Toy Story 3 are much darker than those its predecessors. Pixar has managed to craft a film that explores the natural progression of life (i.e., there will come a day when we must depart from our loved ones), while emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and solidarity. While young children may not appreciate the lesson Pixar has in store for its viewers, as with each of its films, the studio has made sure to include more-than-enough humor for the rugrats. Morever, our favorite toys are funny as ever, and the new additions are certainly welcome as well (a big, pink bear with a southern drawl? HILARIOUS!). As cliché as it may sound, this truly is a film for people of all ages.
Inevitably, Pixar has another "Best Animated Feature" Academy Award in the bag. But what's truly astounding about Pixar is that each time I see one its films, I debate whether the latest release supplants my previous favorite. How can they manage to raise the bar with each outing? It's inconceivable. With each release, I've been anticipating the first, true Pixar misstep. You know, the one that leaves you disappointed and deflates your hopes a little. Well, the wait will have to continue and that, in and of itself, makes Toy Story 3 a winner.
Review: **** (out of four)
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