The animation shows inspired restraint in avoiding too much technological flash, keeping the movie aesthetically similar to the two previous films of the series. This is an even more impressive feat when one considers that the first film was made in 1995- the animators had 15 years worth of technology on their hands and chose not to splash it across the simple palette chosen in the first two films. Were the animation taken to “Avatar” levels, it would have swallowed the film’s narrative whole.
Ah, the narrative. Were the plot of “Toy Story 3” executed in less capable hands than those of Disney/Pixar veteran, director Lee Unkrich, then it would be a mess of genre confusion. But Unkrich’s well-executed vision travels gracefully through kids’ action-adventure, comedy, and, eventually, heart-wrenching drama.
The plot of the film hits the ground running; the catalyst of an impending college move sets the characters into motion: will Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and their fellow toys be lovingly taken to college by owner Andy (John Morris)? Stuffed into the attic? Or even (pause for collective gasp) tossed into the trash?
Through a series of unfortunate events, the toys end up at Sunnyside Daycare, which on the surface seems as cheerful as its name, but proves more grisly and cutthroat as the film wears on.
As the plot unfolds at the daycare center, conventions of prison films from the 1960s and ‘70s (“Cool Hand Luke” or “Escape from Alcatraz”) subtly brighten the narrative. Those convictions could be relegated to dry and artless reiteration, but they seem refreshingly original in the innocent setting of the daycare.
Without spoiling the movie for those who have yet to see it, the end of the film is flawless. There is no better conclusion to these characters, to the story of these toys, than the one that plays out in this film. It is no hyperbole to say that grown men will be sobbing in theaters across the country at the conclusion of this movie.
This amazing ending is partially due to the brilliant character work. The characters established in the first “Toy Story” 15 years ago blend seamlessly into this new adventure, continuing to grow and entertain as they do so.
Characters new to the “Toy Story” trilogy delight in their roles without overwhelming the story. Ken (Michael Keaton), of classic doll couple Ken and Barbie, gets the biggest laughs of the movie in his winning turn as the fabulous yet heterosexual toy. Other new characters, Lots O’ Hugs Bear (Ned Beatty) and Big Baby, are not written off as one-note villains, but as the flawed victims of heartbreak. The audience cares about all of these characters, old and new, which is why the ending of the film is so satisfying.
However, the movie as a whole is not without its flaws, the most glaring of which is that the film resonates with such depth on the subject of adult themes that children might not enjoy the film as thoroughly as their parents. The jokes and animation thrill the inner child of their adult audience, but the themes of loss, the need to belong and the pain of growing up will probably float straight over the heads of their young audience. Without the appreciation of these themes, the film has no depth, and, thus, no point. How can children appreciate a movie that is essentially a tribute to the passing of a childhood? When the children who went to see “Toy Story 3” in theaters rediscover the film in several years, they will undoubtedly be shocked to find the layers of bitter sweetness that flavor the movie.
Go see this film. Bring your children, and don't be bothered when they complain that your crying in the theater embarrasses them. Just tell them that they’ll understand one day.
"Toy Story 3" is rated G and is currently playing in Calhoun and surrounding areas.
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