Saggy
June 19th, 2010, 12:38 AM
http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/toy-story-3-trailer-2a.jpg
Image "borrowed" from SlashFilms.com (http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/toy-story-3-trailer-2a.jpg)
Let me just start of by saying that I grew up with Toy Story; I was only two-years-old when the original Toy Story was released back in 1995, and four when Toy Story 2 was released in 1999. Ever since I first laid my eyes on these Disney/Pixar film, they have always had a special place in my heart.
When I learned a few years back that there was talks of a third installment in the series, I was hysterical. Honestly, two movie would have been fine with me, but I was really interested in seeing where they were going to go with a third Toy Story. However, when I first heard about the original plot for Toy Story 3, I was a bit skeptical at first. For those that don't know what the original plot was, I'll let Wikipedia sum it up for you:
"Jim Herzfeld wrote a script for Circle 7's version of the film. It focused on the other toys shipping a malfunctioning Buzz to Taiwan, where he was built, believing that he will be fixed there. While searching on the Internet, they find out that many more Buzz Lightyear toys are malfunctioning around the world and the company has issued a massive recall. Fearing Buzz's destruction, a group of Andy's toys (Woody, Rex, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Jessie, and Bullseye) venture to rescue Buzz. At the same time Buzz meets other toys from around the world that were once loved but have now been recalled." (Source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story_3#Development))
After hearing this, I honestly felt disappointed; not only because of this lackluster plot, but also partly because Pixar wouldn't be developing this film. Things were looking like they were taking a turn for the worst. Until everything changed, that is.
A few years later, and things took a turn for the better; Pixar was now developing the film and the plot changed significantly. The plot was now being deveopled around an idea brought up in Toy Story 2 which basically stated "what would happen when Andy grows up?" Well, Andy is now seventeen-years-old in Toy Story 3, and is soon off to collage. Seeing as he is now older, and more mature, he no longer has any use for his old toys like Woody, Buzz, Rex, and many other memorable ones. Andy decides he'll store them in the attic, but things take a turn for the worst and they end up being donated to Sunnyside Daycare. I'll describe more of the plot in point form when I actually review the movie below.
The Best:
An Emotional Ride From Start to Finish: If this film doesn't bring tears to your eyes by the end, there is something wrong with you... you monster! The movie starts off with a retrospective look at Andy and his Toys and how much fun they used to share together. Coupled with Randy Newman's classic, "You've Got a Friend in Me," it's a touching moment, especially for those that have followed the series over the past 15 years. Once we see Andy all grown up, it's almost heart-wrenching; he no longer seems to care about his (read: our) favorite toys anymore and it really gets to you. Andy even goes so far as to call his toys junk and worthless. It get's to you because these are the toys that many grew up with; not only through Toy Story, but for some in real life as well. By the end of the movie though, Andy learns just how special his toys are to him and they way the portrayed that in the film is beautiful - to say the least.
A Villain You'll Feel Almost Sorry For: The main villian in Toy Story 3, is the soft, cuddly, strawberry-scented teddy, Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear. When first introduced in the film, he seems like a nice, lovable character. Once the plot gets into the nitty-gritty though, you'll find that Lots-O' isn't what you though he was; he becomes a devious, back-stabbing villain who you would like nothing more but to see the stuffing ripped out of his finally stitched body. He does, however, have an interesting past that may make you reconsider those malicious thoughts of yours - that is, if you really want to.
It's Comedy...: There are plenty of laughs in this movie, especially for the adults. The movie provides a well-executed balance of emotion and refreshing, comedic relief throughout - most of which younger children may not understand (I.E Barbie noticing Ken's ass-cot). This movie does have its share of childish jokes as well - Lincoln Logs being compared to poop, and the sticking of toy parts where they should not be stuck - and because of this, is able to keep the kids watching throughout the movie, even though they probably don't care enough to pay attention to the plot of the film. Also, a Spanish Buzz Lightyear... enough said?
The Worst:
...And Tragedy: There are very few returning characters in this film, and I thought that was very disappointing. In the beginning of the film, Woody states that most of Andy's toys have either been sold or put into the attic over the years (Bo Peep and Wheezy were named as being gone in the film. RC Car is no where to be seen in this movie either, sadly; not even a mention of him). Also, Zurg is not in this movie either, but then again that doesn't really matter as he has nothing to do with the story. The limited amount of returning characters in this film work, however; if there were anymore, the film would have had too many characters to keep track of and could have potentially caused the film to lose focus.
Some New, Boring Toys: When the toys finally end up at Sunnyside Daycare, they are welcomed by many new toys. Many of these new toys are uninteresting (Stretch the Jelly Octopus, for example) and serve no real purpose to the plot. This is more of a nitpicking or an opinion point, however.
Overall, Toy Story 3 is an amazing sequel for an amazing series. It is hopefully to be seen as a warm and touching ending to a childhood favorite. They have left it open for a potential sequel I guess, but it really wouldn't be worth making in my opinion. I'd rather let Toy Story 3 complete the special space in my heart.
Also, if you haven't done so already, I'd highly recommend getting Toy Story and Toy Story 2 and Blu-Ray as they are amazing in High Definition and are a pair of great movies to own.
OVERALL SCORE FOR TOY STORY 3: 9/10
Image "borrowed" from SlashFilms.com (http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/toy-story-3-trailer-2a.jpg)
Let me just start of by saying that I grew up with Toy Story; I was only two-years-old when the original Toy Story was released back in 1995, and four when Toy Story 2 was released in 1999. Ever since I first laid my eyes on these Disney/Pixar film, they have always had a special place in my heart.
When I learned a few years back that there was talks of a third installment in the series, I was hysterical. Honestly, two movie would have been fine with me, but I was really interested in seeing where they were going to go with a third Toy Story. However, when I first heard about the original plot for Toy Story 3, I was a bit skeptical at first. For those that don't know what the original plot was, I'll let Wikipedia sum it up for you:
"Jim Herzfeld wrote a script for Circle 7's version of the film. It focused on the other toys shipping a malfunctioning Buzz to Taiwan, where he was built, believing that he will be fixed there. While searching on the Internet, they find out that many more Buzz Lightyear toys are malfunctioning around the world and the company has issued a massive recall. Fearing Buzz's destruction, a group of Andy's toys (Woody, Rex, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Jessie, and Bullseye) venture to rescue Buzz. At the same time Buzz meets other toys from around the world that were once loved but have now been recalled." (Source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story_3#Development))
After hearing this, I honestly felt disappointed; not only because of this lackluster plot, but also partly because Pixar wouldn't be developing this film. Things were looking like they were taking a turn for the worst. Until everything changed, that is.
A few years later, and things took a turn for the better; Pixar was now developing the film and the plot changed significantly. The plot was now being deveopled around an idea brought up in Toy Story 2 which basically stated "what would happen when Andy grows up?" Well, Andy is now seventeen-years-old in Toy Story 3, and is soon off to collage. Seeing as he is now older, and more mature, he no longer has any use for his old toys like Woody, Buzz, Rex, and many other memorable ones. Andy decides he'll store them in the attic, but things take a turn for the worst and they end up being donated to Sunnyside Daycare. I'll describe more of the plot in point form when I actually review the movie below.
The Best:
An Emotional Ride From Start to Finish: If this film doesn't bring tears to your eyes by the end, there is something wrong with you... you monster! The movie starts off with a retrospective look at Andy and his Toys and how much fun they used to share together. Coupled with Randy Newman's classic, "You've Got a Friend in Me," it's a touching moment, especially for those that have followed the series over the past 15 years. Once we see Andy all grown up, it's almost heart-wrenching; he no longer seems to care about his (read: our) favorite toys anymore and it really gets to you. Andy even goes so far as to call his toys junk and worthless. It get's to you because these are the toys that many grew up with; not only through Toy Story, but for some in real life as well. By the end of the movie though, Andy learns just how special his toys are to him and they way the portrayed that in the film is beautiful - to say the least.
A Villain You'll Feel Almost Sorry For: The main villian in Toy Story 3, is the soft, cuddly, strawberry-scented teddy, Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear. When first introduced in the film, he seems like a nice, lovable character. Once the plot gets into the nitty-gritty though, you'll find that Lots-O' isn't what you though he was; he becomes a devious, back-stabbing villain who you would like nothing more but to see the stuffing ripped out of his finally stitched body. He does, however, have an interesting past that may make you reconsider those malicious thoughts of yours - that is, if you really want to.
It's Comedy...: There are plenty of laughs in this movie, especially for the adults. The movie provides a well-executed balance of emotion and refreshing, comedic relief throughout - most of which younger children may not understand (I.E Barbie noticing Ken's ass-cot). This movie does have its share of childish jokes as well - Lincoln Logs being compared to poop, and the sticking of toy parts where they should not be stuck - and because of this, is able to keep the kids watching throughout the movie, even though they probably don't care enough to pay attention to the plot of the film. Also, a Spanish Buzz Lightyear... enough said?
The Worst:
...And Tragedy: There are very few returning characters in this film, and I thought that was very disappointing. In the beginning of the film, Woody states that most of Andy's toys have either been sold or put into the attic over the years (Bo Peep and Wheezy were named as being gone in the film. RC Car is no where to be seen in this movie either, sadly; not even a mention of him). Also, Zurg is not in this movie either, but then again that doesn't really matter as he has nothing to do with the story. The limited amount of returning characters in this film work, however; if there were anymore, the film would have had too many characters to keep track of and could have potentially caused the film to lose focus.
Some New, Boring Toys: When the toys finally end up at Sunnyside Daycare, they are welcomed by many new toys. Many of these new toys are uninteresting (Stretch the Jelly Octopus, for example) and serve no real purpose to the plot. This is more of a nitpicking or an opinion point, however.
Overall, Toy Story 3 is an amazing sequel for an amazing series. It is hopefully to be seen as a warm and touching ending to a childhood favorite. They have left it open for a potential sequel I guess, but it really wouldn't be worth making in my opinion. I'd rather let Toy Story 3 complete the special space in my heart.
Also, if you haven't done so already, I'd highly recommend getting Toy Story and Toy Story 2 and Blu-Ray as they are amazing in High Definition and are a pair of great movies to own.
OVERALL SCORE FOR TOY STORY 3: 9/10