Toy Story 3 Review

Well, it was suggested to me that I should write a review of all of the films that I see and I figured that wasnt such a bad idea. I may not be the best critic, and I usually enjoy most of what I see because I know enough about films before hand, I always have a good idea as to whether I will like them or not, but its always good to reflect, and odds are I will go into things that are not strictly related to the film itself. So here goes, Toy Story 3, my thoughts!

Pixar is the one film company that is guaranteed at least a $50 million opening. WB, Sony, Miramax, Marvel; They can all open films to $60 mil and they can all open films to $6 mil, but Pixar is so known for their quality that no matter what film they offer, it will open big, get great reviews and overall be a success.

This is a blessing, but it's also a curse. Is it fair that everytime I see a Pixar film I expect near perfection?

You know what, it is fair. Nothing wrong with having large expectations, especially when every single time out they meet or exceed my expectations, and while I wouldn't call Toy Story 3 a masterpiece, it is pretty darn close.

It's been a while since Woody, Buzz and the gang were last seen, and like us, a lot has changed. Their owner Andy is now entering college and the toys are worried that they will just be distant memories. This is only the first 15 minutes of the film, but it the theme of moving on is present throughout the entire film, this is all you should know going in.

For the next almost 2 hours, we go on another adventure with the characters we love and it is fantastic. While the first half was good, the 2nd half, where the film basically becomes Escape From Alcatraz with toys, it truly becomes amazing.

Like all Pixar films, many themes are tackled for the adults, while there is plenty of humor for the kiddies to be 100% entertained as well. The film itself can be seen as a metaphor for living a christian life, and while I may not agree with that, you shouldn't dislike something just because it is not in agreement with you. This film should be applauded for having such serious issues wrapped around a G rated movie.

I could be wrong, and some of these may be condisdered spoilers, but Lotso-Huggin Bear losing faith in his owner is clearly symbolic for losing faith in God. Also, Woody wanting to basically live for Andy, and please him in any way which is necessary, represents us, as God's children, living to please him. Finally, there are plenty of ways toys can "die". Whether they break, get thrown away or any other way, but when the toys were close to perishing, the scene was clearly a representation of Hell.

The voice cast is perfect as always, and new additions Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton as Ken, Jeff Garlin, Bonnie Hunt and Whoopie Goldberg all perform admirably as well.

Like all Pixar films as of late, this one really gets the tears flowing as well, which is astounding considering these characters are toys! Now I wont lie and say that I cried, but at one point when the characters simply have nothing to say, and are ready to accept their fate, and the only thing that they can do is be silent, hold hands, and be together, I would be lying if I said I didnt get a little choked up. NO TEARS! But they were on their way.

Finally, I want to talk about the villain in Toy Story 3, Lotso Huggin Bear (who is voiced by Ned Beatty AND smells like strawberries!). Now, you all know how much I love Pixar. They tell great stories, say a little something extra, theyre funny and entertaining for all ages, but their villains are easily the greatest in film today.

Pop in any old DVD you have and really take a look at the villain. Do they actually have motives for doing what they are doing? Probably not (money doesnt count. a 4 year old could write a script where a bad guy does something for money). Is what theyre doing terrible? Probably. And that, in my opinion, is where things go wrong. Don't get me wrong, Lotso is doing something terrible, but it is very easy to understand where he is coming from. The line between hero and villain should be blurred in my opinion. A straight up villain isnt fun. They have no real motives other than they are supposed to be bad; thats boring. Lotso has reasons for doing what he is doing. He has been hurt in the past, and he can't stand for that to happen again, and although he has a odd way of showing it, he doesnt really want it to happen to anyone else either. Every step of the way you want to rip Lotso's stiching's out, but at the same time, if you were him, you would probably be doing the same exact thing. Thats what makes a great villain, and if you go back and look at Pixar's films, the majority of them are the same way. (just look at last year's Pixar film, Up. Charles Muntz just wanted what was rightfully his. yea, he wasnt the nicest guy doing the nicest things, but if you were in his situation, wouldnt you do the same? wouldnt you be upset that you were considered a fraud, even though you werent?). Theres real depth to every character in these films, and that is why Pixar is the best company making movies today.

Did you read that last paragraph? I just wrote an entire paragraph about a purple (or pink, im not good with colors), stuffed bear that smells like strawberries whose name is Lotso, but never for a second did i not consider him anything but real, and that is the magic of this film. These are computer generated toys, that are voiced by A-list actors, but they never seem anything but 100% real and sincere. They all have motives, they all have depth and they all truly live a life of their own.

With that said, the film isnt perfect. The opening scene is great, but the next 20-30 min arent the best, but once the escape is on, the film cant get any better. It is also a little unsettling seeing Pixar join the sequel crowd, with this and Cars 2 next year, but it doesnt make much of a difference when the films are so good. Most sequels are cash grabs that mean nothing, but this film truly has a purpose for existing as it wraps up this trilogy perfectly, and it honestly wouldn't upset me if another trilogy happened in 5 years. The 3-D is good, but not 100% necessary, but thats really about it. Pixar has a reputation and they have earned it. This film is another one to be proud of and another film that I am happy i saw. In one of the worst movie summers in recent memory, the past 4 I have seen have all been very strong, and there may be some repeat viewings in my future.

Toy Story 3 is funny, has depth, themes to convey and truly touches your heart in more ways than one. It is the rare third film in a series that has justification behind its existance and truly closes out a story in the best way possible. It may not be the best Pixar film ever (we all know that goes to Wall*E, come on now), and it may not even be the best Toy Story, but come on, Pixar can't be perfect everytime, lets get our expectations in check!

Also, one last quick note, the short before hand, (I forget what its called, either Day and Night, or Night and Day. thanks for confusing me Tom Cruise!), is amazing. Simply amazing. Thats one area where Pixar keeps upping itself everytime. The blending of 2D and 3D is just astonishing.

Keep up the good work Pixar. (A-)