Toy Story 3

Release Year: 2010

Director: Lee Unkrich

Review:  Leave it to Pixar to prove that a sequel's sequel doesn't have to be trite or pandering.  By taking beloved characters and infusing them into a new environment but retaining the core elements of what made the first two films great, they successfully were able to produce a fresh feeling movie that has all the same heart as it's predecessors.   The final chapter concludes with a logical end.  Andy has grown up, and the toys are relegated to the toy chest and soon the attic.  Feeling shunned by Andy the hurt tools hop into a box to be donated to Sunnyside Daycare only to find out that it is run by a deranged huggable bear who runs it like a prison.

 

There is a bit of everything thrown in here.  It's part adventure, part love story, part prison escape and there is plenty of homages to the previous films to satisfy our love for them.  The plot moves swiftly.  It doesn't get bogged down with tedious subplots or get derailed by flat pop culture jokes, its a fluid adventure, and a thrill from beginning to end.  Layered on top of this great story is the heart and emotional force that has become expected for Pixar. Dealing with the nostalgia of forgotten toys it's nearly impossible not to get caught up and become sentimental about your own childhood.  There is an emotional depth which Pixar goes to which few other animated features dare go, and with each new film they continue to produce fun, entertaining films, which are also full of heart.
Rating: 4/5