Toy Story 3 (2010)

Rating: 7/10 (28 December 2011)

I'm one of the rare few that really disliked the second Toy Story film. Mostly because of the annoying bitch Jessie. She's here again, but she's sidelined quite a bit. The third entry into the franchise has Woody as the focus, and the story naturally progresses as Andy is getting ready to leave for college. It sets up some familiar and some new themes, involving abandonment, friendship, and moving on in life. It's these themes that allow this to be a mature film without disappointing the kids. Plenty of action, lots of laughs, and some great humor, kick this way past the 2nd installment. I didn't feel it was as complete as many have said, nor was the intensity matched by real sacrifice. The film realises that the best thing about the original was Buzz's delusions. So naturally they reintroduce it here as he is "reset". I guess I'm not that emotionally attached to this movie because I never gave up my most favourite toys. I believe people crying over this just feel guilty for giving up on their childhood. Entertaining, and wonderful, but lacking what I truly loved about the first film.