New Review: Toy Story 3

Toy Wonder

About two months ago, I was honored with catching a special screening of this film with hundreds of other Chicago college students. We didn't get the whole film, but we did get a playful introduction from the director and two-thirds of the film. Out of everyone there, I probably needed those seventy minutes more than anyone. I love Pixar as much as the next guy, but I have to admit that even I was doubtful that the company would be able to pull it off for a third entry. That preview gave me an early promise of a movie that I was wrong to doubt. Indeed, even though it's pointless to say it, Pixar has done it yet again.

It's been over a decade since we last saw Woody, Buzz and the whole gang. This time, though, there are no excursions with owner Andy. He's seventeen and going off to college. The toys are fearing being thrown away, and a mixup leads them to the Sunnyside Daycare, where the place is being run by a retro teddy bear named Lotso. But this daycare isn't as cuddly as it appears to be, and the gang attempt an elaborate escape to get back to their owner.

People say it over and over again, but it can't be said enough. The reason why Pixar is able to stand above and beyond all the other animated films is because of their exquisite attention to story and characters. It's amazing that even though most of these characters are fifteen years old, they still have the ability to be funny, surprising and genuinely heartfelt. Director Lee Unkrich has been part of the Pixar family since its inception, and his dedication to the storytelling is very much felt. The humor goes well in hand with the more serious elements, particularly in the third act. There's a little bit more danger that arrives, and the last line will surely make anyone choke up. I surely did, and the script, which was co-written by Little Miss Sunshine Oscar-winner Michael Arndt, does a fantastic job to balance its emotions.

The familiar voice cast warms the audience back into these lovable settings, and it's like slipping on a well-tailored glove. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and the rest of them fulfill their roles as they have always needed. Of the new voices, there's some nice dramatic work from Ned Beatty, who gives Lotso the right amount of inviting and conversely intimidating tone. Michael Keaton gives the Ken doll a playful and wonderful comedic energy. Smaller cameos from the likes of Bonnie Hunt, Jeff Garlin and Timothy Dalton give that extra bit of flavor that helps the film achieve the greatness it possesses.

My favorite Pixar film, without a doubt, is The Incredibles. So far, everyone of their new films have been vying for second place. I think this film has usurped WALL-E for that position. It's extremely funny but also genuinely heartfelt in its emotions and storytelling. It's a no brainer that this will probably win the Best Animated Feature Oscar, but I think it's a viable contender for a Best Picture nomination as well. Many of us have fallen in love with these characters already, and it's fantastic to fall in love all over again.

A