The Toys Are Back In Town

TOY STORY 3

Directed by Lee Unkrich

Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack.

For many of us this third and final installment of the Toy Story franchise will feel like an end of era. We have grown up with these characters and for some us, they're part of our childhoods. We were there when the first Toy Story boosted Pixar to the top in 1995 and we rejoined them for the second film in 1999 where we met some additions to the toy box. We invited Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang into our hearts and they've never let us down. Eleven years later, were here to say goodbye...can Pixar do it again?

For me, this year has been a year of many changes, many endings and Toy Story 3 is the icing on the cake. I was only 3 when the first film was released in '95, the same year my younger brother was born, and as I'm sure my mother will you, I loved every minute. I watched it over and over again and it's been in my VHS collection ever since. 1995 was a year of firsts, my first sibling, my first year at school and I believe I even lost my first tooth. 1999 and Jessie joined the crew and it reignited my love for the franchise. I've had to wait eleven years for the next installment and I certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to watch a preview back in June.

Despite my long blogging hiatus I knew I had to do a review for this. So over two months later and here we are, having just watched it for about the fifth time, ready to write my review.

So lets start with the negative points shall we? There really aren't many, it was the perfect end to an almost perfect series. But there are few points that I wish they would of got right:

Firstly, I'm not totally sold on our villain. I felt like we had been here before and there didn't really seem to be much separating him from Stinky Pete from the second film. Perhaps it's just me but an old, wise toy who appears to be one of the good guys seems like familiar ground. It doesn't really ruin anything but it would of been nice to have seen something a little more original. In fact the betrayal of one of there friends would of been alot more interesting then another evil outsider.

Secondly, no Bo Peep, no Wheezy and no Etch. The latter two could of been forgiven but getting rid of Bo Peep. I understand if she appeared but then got the chop during the film but having an off screen exit felt like a bit of a cop out. Even at the end there was a hole that Bo Peep would usually fill. Buzz had Jessie but this time, Woody is left alone. Sad times indeed!

However it was difficult to pull out any negatives. Those are more nitpicks than faults, the film manages stand on it's own two feet and my little complaints really make no difference.

As for the positives, I could go on forever. I'll just limit it to three points that I for me, made the film:

El Buzzo was fantastic. Even the brilliant snippet at the end where Jessie puts on the Latin music is golden. If you haven't seen the film, it's worth if for these moments alone.

The new characters keep the film fresh. Without them, it would still be good but the additions of Barbie, Ken, Big Baby etc...really enhanced the experience. Even the smaller roles played by Mr Picklepants played by the legendary Timothy Dalton will bring a smile to your face and every role, regardless of whole big or small, each character has there place. Barbie, Ken, Mr Picklepants and Chuckles definitely stick in my mind!

That ending. Andy introduces his friends to Bonnie really brings a tear to your eye and when drives off leaving the toys on the porch, I almost blubbered like a baby. As I said earlier, the perfect end to a perfect series.

Well done Pixar! If you haven't seen it then go see it. If Toy Story means as much to you as it does me, you'll leave with a giant smile on your face! You may even go back for more...

5/5 - it really is that good!