All About Relevant Themes

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2017)

Besides the humor and crazy adventure, the thing that has really made the Toy Story franchise successful is its focus on very relevant childhood themes. In part one, it was the new toy (Buzz) challenging the viability of the old one (Woody). Part two is more of an origins tale. The trend continues in part three, this time dealing with the growing-up of toy owner Andy.
For a basic plot summary, Toy Story 3 sees the toybox gang (led as usual by Woody the Cowboy and Buzz the Space Ranger) trying to deal with Andy going away to college. When some of the toys panic in thinking they will end up in the city refuse, they "escape" to a local daycare, where life seems to be fine. However, the idyllic daycare future (where toys always get played with) may not be as rosy as it seems, forcing the toys to make some tough decisions about returning to Andy or moving on with their lives.
All the good stuff that made the franchise what it is today is present in this film: the strong lead characters, the wise-cracking "peanut gallery" of supporting characters, and the hilarious sight gags that will thrill both young and old. Also, the animation is slicker than ever (compare technology from the mid-90s to today and you'll get the picture), bringing the characters and their rich environments to live in even more vivid clarity.
However, what really sets this film apart from other Pixar fare is its attention to themes that tug at everyone's heartstrings. The toys struggle with their loyalty to Andy (who has inevitably outgrown them) vs. their desire to still be played with (every toy's greatest joy). At times, you might wonder just why exactly you are misting end (especially towards the end) about chunks of plastic animated on screen, but then you'll remember: Because they DO mean something to you, as they share the same struggles as normal people. Unlike perhaps any other children's film franchise in history, Toy Story really creates an unbreakable emotional bond between "actors" and audience.
If this is indeed the final chapter in the Toy Story saga (and the ending, while emotional, leaves some wiggle room for the future), it went out on the highest of possible notes. It will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and, perhaps most importantly: FEEL.