John says: Toy Story 3 continues the miraculous reign of Pixar over both box-office reapings and classic storytelling. Making a 3rd movie about Buzz and Woody may seem like banging an old drum, but the movie is surprisingly original and fresh. Pixar films seem to be getting better and better, and even when you think they have plateaued with films like Wall-E and Up, they reveal yet greater achievements and animation.
Unlike previous Pixar films, Toy Story 3 deals with much heavier themes- a central one being mortality. As Andy goes off to college, Woody and the gang are shipped off to daycare. As innocent as it may seem, the plot slowly shapes up to be that of a prison break - and a hilarious and smart one at that.
The dialogue is witty and appreciable by both adults and children, the humor is fantastic, and the addition of new characters is refreshing. Like most Pixar films, there are moments that will undoubtedly have you tearing up, yet these moments are well-deserved and you never feel cheated. It's a perfect way to conclude the franchise, leaving you both satisfied and invigorated. Easily one of the best movies of the year.
*On a side note, the short film at the head of the movie, Day and Night, is a bold departure from the typical Pixar shorts we have seen before. It explores abstract themes and combines dazzling 2D and 3D animation. Make sure you get to the theater early - it's worth checking out.
Maureen says:
Toy Story 3 has done what few, if any, sequels - especially "3" sequels - have done. This is a stand-alone film which successfully builds off of the first two films while managing to remain extremely entertaining and original on its own, despite its challenge of being third in the series.
Pixar never ceases to amaze me. They always manage to make wildly entertaining films out of seemingly ridiculous ideas (Ratatouille, anyone?). Toy Story 3 is right up there with Pixar's best work. Smart, clever humor, thought-provoking themes, fantastic voice acting (as usual), easy to follow but never slow, and above all, a fun movie to watch for literally every age. Not surprisingly for Pixar, during a "children's" film, the adults in the audience seemed to be having more fun than the kids.
Aside from being roll-on-the-ground hilarious, this Pixar film in particular has touched a place in the heart that nearly everyone watching, children and adults alike, will be able to relate to. This is what makes the film particularly memorable and will make it watchable for years to come. I felt tears well up several times - and it wasn't always because of the hilarity of Ken's wardrobe.
Not only is this a shoo-in for a Best Animated Feature nomination (no surprise there, for Pixar), it is - and is likely to remain - one of the best films of 2010 in general.
(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ('We Belong Together'), Best Adapted Screenplay)
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