Don't let the "3" in the title worry you in the slightest. This is such an approachable film for children and adults alike.

Rating: 10/10 (21 June 2010)

Because it had been 11 years since we last saw Woody and Buzz on the big screen and the first two films were so awesome, this was to be the runt of the trilogy. Probably good entertainment for two hours but obviously a ploy by Pixar to squeeze as much money possible from their most beloved franchise while they still could. Now that I've seen Toy Story 3 I'm both happy and humbled to report that I was wrong.
Like Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 begins with a bang. Those who remember how the first two Toy Story movies begin should be able to tell immediately what's going on. After a little bit of fun lighthearted drama, we see a series of flashbacks through old videos and images of Andy playing with his toys through the years. We see that gradually he's growing up and when the camera ends and darkness comes we are brought to the present day. He is now 17 and about to go to college. Andy has outgrown his toys and while they have gotten used to staying in boxes they still desperately yearn for any kind of attention from him. Even being held briefly by him is now a moment to be cherished. These are bleak times for the toys and Woody, the unofficial leader of the group, tries to keep everyone's spirits up by clinging to any type of positive thinking that can be mustered. Only a handful of the toys from the first two films are still with Andy (many of them have been sold at yard sales and others donated). Despite being ignored, they still have a loyalty to Andy because he's kept them and are content with staying in the attic if that's what he wants. Woody points out that someday Andy might have kids and they might get played with again. However, a misunderstanding convinces all of them (save Woody) that Andy no longer wants them and they seek to be donated to the local daycare center. At Sunny Side day care center, these "NEW TOYS!" are pleased with their first impressions of everything. The toys seem nice. The kids seem nice. And the idea of not having an owner appeals to them. However, first impressions can be misleading...
That's all of the plot I'm willing to reveal. Let me say that this is easily my favorite Pixar movie since the original Toy Story in 1995. It made me laugh which is not always easy. Ken is a welcome addition to the Toy Story family and, alongside Barbie, share many of the most memorable scenes in the movie. And Spanish speaking Buzz is even funnier than I could have imagined from the commercials.
The villain of this movie is in some respects the most evil of all the Toy Story villains like Sid, Sid's dog, Al the toy collector, Stinky Pete, and even evil emperor Zerg! And towards the end there is one particular moment where his wickedness is fully revealed. Who knew that such evil could be in the form of a teddy bear that smells like strawberries! For a movie that took over a decade to get to the screen, it's amazing how relevant and integral it is to this trilogy. In retrospect it even kind of seems like Toy Story and Toy Story 2 were mere stepping stones to this movie where the big questions about children's relationship with toys would finally be tackled.
Toy Story 3, in contrast to what a lot of critics suggest, won't make everyone cry. It won't even make most people cry. But it's guaranteed to melt the coldest hearts, make the sternest face smile, and, yes, make a few people sob. The ending was, for me, the best ending to a Pixar movie (even though it was borderline cheesy) and is probably my favorite ending to any movie since Shawshank Redemption's ending. Many people will say they were sad but I was happy because I knew it had to happen. The ending also makes this trilogy complete and, though a Toy Story 4 is not impossible, it seemed like the creators were saying to the audience that this is the final curtain call. Of course, if this movie makes a lot of money the executives might reconsider but for the moment I don't think there are any plans to do a "4".
And if the day ever comes when they decide to go back into the attic and dust off these old toys for one more adventure, I'll be lining up to see it and expect nothing less than an awesome movie. If you haven't seen this movie, stop reading these reviews and go see it right now.