Post by Donald Duck on Jun 19, 2010 0:13:41 GMT -8
It's the darkest and saddest Toy Story film, but it's also a deeply emotional, heartfelt conclusion to an amazing trilogy of films.
Toy Story, Pixar's first movie, remains a technical masterpiece. But it's more than that; it's just a wonderful film that introduced characters that we all love and relate to. It remains one of Pixar's greatest movies, if not the greatest. I know not everyone here in Fantasmic Kingdom appreciates the sequel as much as I do, but in my opinion Toy Story 2 is just as good as the predecessor. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog... I love all of those characters. Whenever I watch the first two Toy Story movies, I feel like I've reunited with a bunch of old friends. Pixar has made many memorable and deep characters over the years, but there's just something about the original toys that makes them so universally relevant.
And now, Pixar has made the third (and most likely final) movie of the series: Toy Story 3 (2010). It should be the final, because it concludes Andy's story. And more importantly, it concludes it with such powerful emotion that I can't exactly imagine it working out any better than what Pixar pulled off.
Andy is now in his late teens, and he graduated from high school. He's college bound, and his mom demands him to take care of his toys. The same goes for Andy's sister, who quickly discards her Barbie Doll (Jodi Benson). Andy intends to store most of his childhood toys in the attic, but keep Woody for college. Unfortunately, a mix-up occurs, and soon all of the toys end up in Sunnyside Daycare.
In Sunnyside, they meet Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear (Ned Beatty), a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear who is the leader of Sunnyside's toys. His right-hand man is Ken Doll (Michael Keaton), who mutually (and humorously) falls in love with Barbie on first sight. Sunnyside's toy leaders are nice and friendly to the toys when they arrive, and the place looks like a 'retired' toy's dream come true. But is Sunnyside truly a blessing, or is it an unjustified prison?
When I was a little boy, I had a lot of toys. A whole cabinet filled with them. I still collect toys today, but I don't have nearly as much as I used to. I had given up a lot of my toys. Now, after watching this movie, I feel incredibly guilty. Toy Story 3 is just plain sad. Remember Toy Story 2's saddest scene, when Jessie reminisces about Emily to "When She Loved Me?" Remember how depressing that one scene was? Imagine that, and apply it multiple times to this third movie.
That's right: Toy Story 3 is the darkest and saddest installment. I became teary eyed at several points in this movie, and in the most intensely depressing segment tears were streaming down my face. Good thing this man had those goofy 3D glasses to hide his feminine weeping! Similar to Up, Toy Story 3 takes Walt's "for every laugh there should be a tear" rule and ups the dosage. This movie is very, very funny in parts, and very, very sad in others. In fact, I was very surprised by how melancholic this movie really is. Even though this movie ends with a wonderful send-off and conclusion that is happy, said ending nevertheless has a very strong sense of melancholy. I may have been satisfied with this movie, but I left the theater feeling bittersweet, and my eyes were still damp and stingy.
The only spoiler I'll willingly give away is this: Bo Peep fans are bound to be disappointed, because she's gone. She's referenced, and she appears in a 'flashback' montage, but other than that she is completely gone. That's sad for me, personally. It's true that Bo Peep wasn't the most integral character in the movies, but it's nevertheless disappointing that a member of the gang is written off so hastily.
But the movie excels at other areas. The characters are just as lovable and human as we remember them. What I especially admire about this movie, and the Toy Story gang in general, is that none of the characters are there just for the sake of them being there. Every single protagonist has a role to play, and contributes to the adventure. Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) are more important than the other toys, true, but no one is dead weight. Every good character has his or her own moment, and that's how it should be.
The jokes are funny with only a few missteps. The voice acting is top notch, and definitely contributed greatly to my tears. Randy Newman proves once again that he may not be the best singer, but he sure can compose haunting music scores that click. It's also worth mentioning that the animation has come a long way, especially since the first Toy Story. From a general viewpoint, these characters look the same, but the textures have never looked better, and the animation itself is fluid and second to none. Pixar is truly the wizard of CGI. Not to mention, Totoro makes a cameo appearance in this movie! How awesome is that?
If you love the first Toy Story (and you should be!), will you automatically love Toy Story 3? I can't answer that question, honestly. This movie, while funny and charming, is also very sad and emotional. That's not to say that the previous Toy Story films weren't sad, but it's just that this movie takes it much further. I don't think that's a bad thing, but certain others will likely be perturbed by it. But in my opinion, Toy Story 3 ranks among Pixar's most emotionally powerful achievements. This film's climax is breathtaking, and it stunned me by its emotion.
But if there is one scene in this movie that's worth watching, it's the final scene before the end credits. Not only does it serve as a worthy conclusion to an amazing trilogy of films, but it also got my waterworks pumping more than any other. Andy's story is over, but his final moments are perfectly bittersweet. Think back of how you felt the first time you watched Monster, Inc.'s ending. Toy Story 3 gives a similar feeling.
Unfortunately, like Up, this movie has an unnecessary 3D treatment. I don't oppose 3D, but I fail to see the point if the 3D doesn't impress. No, I'm not a sucker for gimmicky, in-your-face effects, but I believe the use of 3D should drive the story and be justifiable, an element that compliments the film without being distracting. Coraline, which remains the best 3D film I've ever watched, succeeded. Pixar has yet to, I'm afraid.
At the end of the day, Toy Story 3 is a great conclusion to a great saga. It's sad to be sure, but it's also heartwarming and funny. I highly recommend this to adults, children, and Toy Story fans everywhere.
The opening scene is hilarious and awesome, by the way, but I won't say anything about it. You must experience it for yourself.
**** out of ****
JOSEPH'S CHOICE[/color]
