Toy Legacy

Rating: 8/10 (31 March 2011)

Unlike a majority of fellow critics on IMDb, I was underwhelmed by the hype for Toy Story. At that time, I was probably 14; Woody I thought to be querulous and grumbling. On my second viewing however, my opinion about the movie was less caustic. I appreciate the authenticity of the story, and how it reflects the life of a ten year old whiling away his hours, interacting with the inanimate figures. Now that I hear my cousin bantering ceaselessly about how has Beyblades 'listen' to him, find that the portrayal of the toys is immaculately accurate.
The toys have animated conversations sub rosa, as they live their plastic selves live, play, love and protect each other from all kinds of adversities. The beautifully drawn opening scene unravels in a customarily swift action, throwing the viewers right into the center of action. All know how this scene is going to end but no one expected monkey critters or the dinosaur cracking hilariously through the earth. But that's how a child's psyche works - in an incredible, zany and good vs evil way. My cousin says a few of his Beyblades strike with the attacks of his choice at his command. As long as he is having fun and gives feet to imagination, no one should intervene.
Only this time, it is the toys feeling nostalgic and rebuffed by Andy's abandonment. Real, cruel life takes over as the human being is forced to part with the very tutors of his childhood who taught him how to imagine, how to reestablish the boundaries by setting forth his vision. Toys are an indispensable part of early life as they teach one that life is not just about seeing but seeing with a mental squint.
Andy's is now a grown up but he is reluctant on parting with his old friends. He stores them in a trunk and decides to move them to the attic. His insistence in treasuring the toys show his childlikeness and fondness for the toys. Also he is large-hearted and generous, as seen later. The toys have made him this person. Hand another child a gun and see what he becomes in future!
Anyway, he and his sister do the the clearing, she dispensing with her Barbie, as Jessie dolefully looks on and gets unnerved, so do the others, worrying that they may be in the trash anytime. Woody remains optimistic and hopeful, reassuring them every moment. One slight misunderstanding and all except Woody almost land up in the trash. They escape and reach the Sunny Side daycare, and are welcomed with open arms by Lotso, Ken, Baby and a plentiful of other toys. Woody is slightly disappointed by the selfish fickleness of his companions and decides to return home, loyal to Andy. The others have a rough first day only to be even more surprised (in a bad way, of course) at night. I for a moment wished I were among those toys at the center looking at all those amenities (thank heavens, I'm not).
The rest of the story chronicles swiftly as Woody assumes the role of a hero again, Buzz jigs to Spanish songs and for a while, poses his old form again, to the distress of everyone this time, the toys make an eventful escape, nearly die (or melt) and find a new home.
Tom Hanks is not in any way overbearing as he gets at times ( Turner and Hooch, for instance) while Buzz is versatile as a character (he can dance for sure!) and his voice- over is great. Andy really pulls the heartstrings because of his honest voice-over while Ken adds to the comic relief. Some adroit thinking from the creators of Pixar who noticed the underlying dishonesty I usually saw in the Ken dolls owned by the sister. Men will be men. Here both Ken and Barbie are lovestruck and inspire and change each other.
The incinerator scene is genuinely poignant and highlights the camaraderie between the toys. The aliens have a vital role in the film. The animation is lush and effervescent, dazzling with colors, the cream of the crop being the animation of the dog (wait, was that really animated?) At 103 minutes, I really wished it were just a bit longer, especially the daycare escape sequence.
A very fine effort by Pixar studios. It'll probably grow on me more during my subsequent viewings. Yet, Ratatouille remains my personal favorite. 8 on 10.