Forget the Kids, This is Boomer Therapy

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2010)

One of the things I like to think about when I review a movie is what other movie might be matched with it to make a great double feature. In the case of Toy Story 3, the obvious choice would be to make it a triple feature with the first two episodes; and I can think of few better ways to entertain myself than to spend 5 hours or so revisiting this trilogy. But here is another suggestion. Watch it as a double feature with Seabiscuit (2003) and see how both movies deal with the idea that when a thing gets beat up a little, you don't just throw it away.
Rejuvenation is the essential idea behind Toy Story 3, and that makes it as much a movie for aging baby boomers seeking new significance in the late maturity phase of their lives as it is for young ones seeking new thrills and adventure. For this aging boomer, Toy Story 3 massaged all of the critical emotions that go along with aging: the sense of uselessness, the boredom that goes along with being stashed away in the attic by my grown children, the realization that maybe my best days are behind me. The big payoff came at the movie's conclusion as it delivered hope and an avenue to rediscovering the joy of living.
Yes, it's that good.
For my money, Toy Story 3 is the best movie of the series, and that is saying a lot given that the first two installments were masterpieces. The plot takes off a bit later from where Toy Story 2 concludes. Young Andy is a bit older and getting ready to go off to college. His ragtag assemblage of toys is less important to him now. Most days, the playthings just collect dust on the shelf or wait endlessly in a dark corner of the toy chest for that rare moment when Andy might get the urge to play. The story's conflict concerns whether the toys should be stored up in the attic or given away to a day care center before Andy leaves home.
All of the characters from the previous episodes return for the finale, and some new interesting and colorful characters are introduced. There is plenty of fun and frolicking, as well as some scary close calls that might be upsetting to very young children. In the end, it's how the movie deals with its subject of renewal that makes it such a worthwhile investment of your time.
Fair warning. It packs an emotional wallop, and all but the most stone- hearted of viewers will be wiping away happy tears at the end.