Toy Story 3 Review

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2010)

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 CGI animated film and the third installment to the Toy Story trilogy. It is the first film in the series since the excellent Toy Story 2 in 1999, and stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Ned Beatty and features voice talents from other notable actors like Michael Keaton and Timothy Dalton. The film was released on 18th June 2010 in America and 19th July 2010 in the UK. It grossed over $700 million only a month after release.
The film tells the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and all of the toys belonging to Andy. Now a 17 year old student ready to leave for college, Andy packs up his old toys and donates them to Sunnyside Day Care Centre. Initially happy with the idea, the toys soon realize that the day care is a brutal place for toys and is treated as a prison by Lotso Huggin Bear, the films antagonist. The toys make it their mission to flee from the day care and return to Andy before he departs for college.
The film, like all Pixar films, boasts beautiful animation, with vibrant colours, great detailed landscapes and fluid, professional character animation. It really is a beautiful film, and although it's not as mind blowing as the original, it still shows how far Pixar have come in terms of their animation quality. The film is viewable in Disney Digital 3D, and sadly it's a waste of money. The trailer for the film said "the film 3D was made for". This is flat out false. The 3D doesn't add to the experience in any way, and instead the film just has more depth. The 3D is not used in any exciting way and it wastes your money. However, whether you watch the film in 2D or 3D, you still get an incredible animated piece of cinema.
There is no way that this is a cheap way to cash in on the popularity of this awesome franchise. Unlike Shrek Forever After, Toy Story 3 is a work of art. The effort put into the movie by the writers, voice actors and the animators is clearly shown. The story is full of many moments of sadness that actually feel like true emotion, and it makes you forget that you're weeping at a piece of plastic and stuffing. Truly, the film does not use endless amounts of comedy to entertain viewers. It tells a well structured, fluid story. However, it still has the Pixar comedy charm, and there are many moments where you'll be laughing with everyone else in the cinema. The films ending had many in tears, and I have to say I was deeply touched by it. But, I can't give it away...
The voice acting was amazing. The actors did a good job at sounding comedic and emotional, and the new voice for Slinky Dog (Blake Clark) sounds so much like Jim Varney that you'll find it hard to believe he's a different actor. Timothy Dalton was a bit underused, but his lines were very funny and utterly eccentric. Ned Beatty was my favourite of the whole cast. His voice for Lotso sounded wise and evil, and he gave Lotso an insane personality which was incredibly convincing. Lotso is the best villain of the three films, and probably my favourite Toy Story character.
Toy Story 3 is a rare movie. A second sequel that doesn't feel lazy, rushed or a cheap cash in on the franchise. Instead, it's a deeply moving, entertaining and very professional piece of animation, and will have many fans of the original two movies in tears of sadness and joy. It completes the fantastic story of the trilogy, and builds a whole moral of love and how leaving our childhoods behind can hurt. I think this is where the series should end, as more sequels would feel like spin offs as the main story is complete.
A masterpiece in almost every way, Toy Story 3 is easily the best Pixar film to date. I recommend this incredible film to anyone of any age, as it will have you laughing, crying and admiring the talents of the creators. Just be sure to save money and watch it in 2D. Nevertheless, see this excellent movie.
I give this film a 10/10!