Pixar? Check. Follow-up to an iconic animated film and an even better sequel? Check. Return of adorable characters? Check. Brilliant trailers and excellent posters? Check. Golden reviews and showers of praise from each quarter? Again, check. So does it come as any surprise that my excitement levels for Toy Story 3 were off-the-hook, sky-high and dangerously intense? No? Thought so.

More than anything, I hope other studios/companies/directors take this as a challenge to better their game. Almost as if Pixar is asking them: Why can’t you perform at our level? Why can’t you make the 3rd part of your franchise as awesome as this? Why can’t you handle your beloved characters like we do? Why can’t you make a film that pampers kids while entertaining their parents? Why can’t you create something that is swashbuckling fun *and* emotionally rich? Why can’t you shoot action sequences as thrilling as the ones in this? Why can’t you create a prolonged 3D sequence set in dark environments coherent? Why, why, why? Questions, which I feel, the rest of Hollywood won’t be able to answer for quite some time. After all, since the last 15 years, Pixar has made 11 feature films (counting this) which apart from being genuine masterpieces, also serve as reminders of how inept the output of other studios is.

I will not reveal any particular plot point for you, but for the uninitiated… here is a skeletal gist. Toy Story 3 picks up around a decade after its predecessor. Andy is now 17 years old and has outgrown his toys. As a result, the entire bunch is dumped off at Sunnyside, a day care centre where, if nothing else, atleast the toys will get played with regularly and meet many new similar playthings. But, as it turns out, Sunnyside is not as sunny as it seems and soon, the toys are forced to hatch an escape plan and try to get back to Andy, before he leaves for college. Anything longer, or anything more detailed will spoil the joy of witnessing these events unfurl on screen, as I’m sure the makers intended.

"Welcome to Sunnyside, folks!"

To prepare for seeing this in the theatre, I popped in Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 the previous day, and bless them, they play just as nicely today as they did earlier. Which is why, when I took my seat inside the hall, my head was already swimming with fond thoughts of Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang. The movie’s first scene itself reminds us why we love these characters so much. Just about everyone is back (a tear for Bo Peep), and boy, is it nice to see them after such a long time. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) are the “heroes” of the plot and their respective story arcs are extremely engaging and delightful to follow. Rex, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Slinky and the Aliens are as hilarious as ever. The Aliens will make you fall off your chair during the end credits. Among the new additions, Barbie (Jodi Benson), Ken (Michael Keaton) and Lotso (Ned Beatty) shine the most. Ken, in particular, fetches the best laugh in the movie (Hint: It’s got something to do with cross-dressing). Barbie gets some hilarious punchlines too. Watch out for a line about governments that amazes even the other characters.

Lee Unkrich takes over the directorial reins from John Lasseter this time around, and does a masterful job. Randy Newman is back and my ears sure are glad to hear You’ve Got a Friend In Me again. As expected from Pixar, the animation is top-notch. The world is bright, colourful and cheerful and there are loads of Easter Eggs in the film. While I did spot a few (A113, Luxo etc.), I’ll have to watch the movie again (Yay!) to find the other, more obscure ones. Special mention must be made of Day & Night, the short that precedes this movie. It is a work of genius, and uses 3D in a really clever way.

However, I do have a few complaints. The movie’s 3D is nothing worth writing home about and adds little to the movie. The resolution of the villain (not telling who) feels like a cop out, and is slightly disappointing after the stellar scenes that come before it. The actual “escape” sequence seems a bit too long and though its crescendo is immensely satisfying, some of its parts inside the day care centre aren’t on par with the rest. This film also lacks the sheer ingénue and wit of Toy Story 2, and doesn’t contain as many laughs. BUT, these complaints shouldn’t detract you from checking out this film.

Toy Story 3 takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It’ll make you laugh, cry, wince, hold your breath and, by the climax, reminiscent about your childhood and the toys you played with. After seeing this movie, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to throw a toy away. Do yourself a favour, go check out Toy Story 3 with your family.

(3.5/4)

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Photo Credit: Pixar Animation Studios

  • RichardLawson

    Followed your link from IMDb.

    You're clearly a talented writer, and your sentence structure and composition are pretty good. I think you need to tighten it up a bit. Too many “checks” and too many “Why can't…” sentences.

    Also, you talk too much about yourself, in my opinion. I'm reminded of “Broadcast News” in which Albert Brooks' characters says in a satirical manner about broadcast journalists, “Remember, we're more important than the story.” And it's true too often; people making writing reviews more about them than about the movie. Try to avoid that.

    I agree with a lot of your observations, especially the 3D. And your prose is very good. Keep it up.

  • RichardLawson

    Followed your link from IMDb.

    You're clearly a talented writer, and your sentence structure and composition are pretty good. I think you need to tighten it up a bit. Too many “checks” and too many “Why can't…” sentences.

    Also, you talk too much about yourself, in my opinion. I'm reminded of “Broadcast News” in which Albert Brooks' characters says in a satirical manner about broadcast journalists, “Remember, we're more important than the story.” And it's true too often; people making writing reviews more about them than about the movie. Try to avoid that.

    I agree with a lot of your observations, especially the 3D. And your prose is very good. Keep it up.

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi Richard! First of all, thanks for your opinions. At this point, constructive criticism can only help me get better.

    Regarding the “checks” and “why can't…”, I was actually going for refrain there. By repeating them so many times, I wanted to point out how actually prevalent or comprehensive they were. Still, one time too many I guess.

    And well, sorry for the vanity. I actually didn't realize I was talking too much about myself. Now that I see the review, I can notice one or two instances where the article didn't benefit from placing the situation in my context. Agreed.

    Thanks again for your suggestions. Will keep them in mind!

    PS – What did *you* think about the movie?

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi Richard! First of all, thanks for your opinions. At this point, constructive criticism can only help me get better.

    Regarding the “checks” and “why can't…”, I was actually going for refrain there. By repeating them so many times, I wanted to point out how actually prevalent or comprehensive they were. Still, one time too many I guess.

    And well, sorry for the vanity. I actually didn't realize I was talking too much about myself. Now that I see the review, I can notice one or two instances where the article didn't benefit from placing the situation in my context. Agreed.

    Thanks again for your suggestions. Will keep them in mind!

    PS – What did *you* think about the movie?

  • http://twitter.com/crsratnam Sabha

    Nice review… I laughed out loud when Buzz turned Spanish.. Mr and Mrs Potatos where the best supporting stars.. Without them the story would not have gone the same way. The interesting part is that this story plot can be made to any number of sequels. But this seems to be the last for Toy story. A little sad about it.. Did you like the initial short movie? The Day and Night? It was so new and took some time for me to understand..
    All the best.. God Bless..

  • http://twitter.com/crsratnam Sabha

    Nice review… I laughed out loud when Buzz turned Spanish.. Mr and Mrs Potatos where the best supporting stars.. Without them the story would not have gone the same way. The interesting part is that this story plot can be made to any number of sequels. But this seems to be the last for Toy story. A little sad about it.. Did you like the initial short movie? The Day and Night? It was so new and took some time for me to understand..
    All the best.. God Bless..

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi Sabha!

    Yes, Buzz turning Spanish was very funny. In the trailers, it didn't look that promising… but how it played out in the movie was brilliant. And, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head were very good too. I especially liked Mr. Potato Head's role in the escape sequence.

    While it is true that they can make any number of films on this… and this is a huge hit, so who knows, but I don't feel that I want another Toy Story. The ending of this ties up the story really well with the earlier installments and leaves the toys in a really fitting situation.

    And, yes, I liked Day & Night. I was taken aback by its 2D animation but enjoyed its visual puns and the message it sent across. Still not on par with other Pixar shorts like Presto, Lifted or Geri's Game though.

    And thank you for your compliments!

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi Sabha!

    Yes, Buzz turning Spanish was very funny. In the trailers, it didn't look that promising… but how it played out in the movie was brilliant. And, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head were very good too. I especially liked Mr. Potato Head's role in the escape sequence.

    While it is true that they can make any number of films on this… and this is a huge hit, so who knows, but I don't feel that I want another Toy Story. The ending of this ties up the story really well with the earlier installments and leaves the toys in a really fitting situation.

    And, yes, I liked Day & Night. I was taken aback by its 2D animation but enjoyed its visual puns and the message it sent across. Still not on par with other Pixar shorts like Presto, Lifted or Geri's Game though.

    And thank you for your compliments!

  • Remegy64

    Hey, nice review.

    I agree, TS2 had quite a bit more laughs than TS3. but what TS2 did with humor, TS3 did with drama and some pretty intense scenes. What i liked the most about Toy Story 3 was that it was standalone, and it can stand on its own (without feeling to much like a 'sequel') and yet, it works as a wonderful sequel (and conclusion) as well! Sad to see Pixar's star franchise end…

  • Remegy64

    Hey, nice review.

    I agree, TS2 had quite a bit more laughs than TS3. but what TS2 did with humor, TS3 did with drama and some pretty intense scenes. What i liked the most about Toy Story 3 was that it was standalone, and it can stand on its own (without feeling to much like a 'sequel') and yet, it works as a wonderful sequel (and conclusion) as well! Sad to see Pixar's star franchise end…

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi!

    I agree, Toy Story 3 did have more drama and intense scenes. The more I think back on the film, I realize the significance of some scenes… the deep analogies prevalent in some sequences. Must see the film one more time, but unfortunately, the film has gone out of theaters in my city.

    Also, yes, it does feel sad to see Pixar's star franchise end. I fell quite silent when the movie ended. Slowly, the thought sunk in that this was the last time I had seen Woody, Buzz and the gang. Felt quite miserable.

  • http://iwatchiread.com Laya Maheshwari

    Hi!

    I agree, Toy Story 3 did have more drama and intense scenes. The more I think back on the film, I realize the significance of some scenes… the deep analogies prevalent in some sequences. Must see the film one more time, but unfortunately, the film has gone out of theaters in my city.

    Also, yes, it does feel sad to see Pixar's star franchise end. I fell quite silent when the movie ended. Slowly, the thought sunk in that this was the last time I had seen Woody, Buzz and the gang. Felt quite miserable.