The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: ‘Toy Story 3′ Movie Review

Film — July 16, 2010 at 14:00 — 1 comment  

Clark Kent says: It’s hard being a twenty-something year old grown kid. Doesn’t help that I’m a huge Pixar/Toy Story fan. But is the final episode in this storied franchise a winner? Find out after the jump!

GOOD: Fans of the Toy Story saga have many impressive things to say about it. From the amount of detail Pixar puts into making everything look as real as possible to John Lasseter’s captivating tales involving best buds Woody and Buzz — Toy Story 3 keeps these themes familiar. Pixar, for the lack of a better term, has grown up, and it is reflected in the film. Andy (John Morris) has also become older and is on his way to college, putting his childhood toys in a weird juxtaposition. Toy Story 3 plays out like an overdue reunion with an old friend as Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) once again take the audience on an adventure unlike anyone’s seen before. Director Lee Unkrich, with writing credits due to Michael Arndt, embrace the eleven-year gap to use “growing up” as a wonderful plot. Pixar has honed its animation craft by putting to work their vast knowledge of the franchise with today’s new computer technology. With Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Estelle Harris (Mrs. Potato Head), and Joan Cusack (Jessie) also back to end out this tale of change and closure, Toy Story 3 has no noticeable blemishes.

BAD: Young ones who may or may not have seen the first two Toy Story flicks may be taken a-back by how down in the dumps (literally and figuratively) and scarier this one is versus its predecessors.

UGLY: Ultimately Toy Story 3 is one of the finest told tales that Pixar has had the pleasure of blessing audiences with. Viewers learn from one of the master’s an important lesson in growing up. John Lasseter and Lee Unkrich craft a story that plays out like an animated version of Cool Hand Luke in parts. Ned Beatty role as the cutesy Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear is a wonderful addition to the history of charismatic and memorable characters. The entire cast is golden from Michael Keaton (Ken) to Blake Clark (Slinky Dog). Fueled by zippy humor there are moments of almost overwhelming emotion: abandonment, abuse, and a few close calls worth seeing for yourself. Toy Story 3 is beautifully written and illustrated as any kid’s book. Pixar has left a strong mark on the young and the young at heart. The script is tone-specific to let Andy make the final decision concerning his childhood toys and in the end the audience wins with a rewarding story that deftly blends comedy, adventure, and honest emotion.

Clark Kent says: In other words… See It! In 3-D too if you must… I’d rant but you’d miss out on seeing the trailer below. Got an opinion? Share that too:

Tags: blake clark, disney, don rickles, estelle harris, joan cusack, john lasseter, john morris, lee unkrich, michael arndt, michael keaton, ned beatty, pixar, tim allen, tom hanks, toy story 3