Less a sequel and more the fulfillment of a promise first suggested in Disney• Pixar's 1995 original hit, TOY STORY 3 refuses to aim for more of the same hit formula and instead explores the soul of its premise on what it truly means to be Andy's toys, especially when he's outgrown them. Adult-age fans of the films certainly saw this dilemma coming, and perhaps the question means the most to them having lived through such a transition, doubly so if they have teen kids of their own. Fortunately for director Lee Unkrich and Pixar, knowing the ultimate destination of TOY STORY 3 takes away none of the enjoyment and surprise of getting there, and it's a fun summer trip indeed!
As Andy packs up his room to head for college, his few favorite toys remain: Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles and Estelle Harris), Rex (Wallace Shawn) and Slinky Dog (now voiced by Blake Clarke). Sheriff Woody calms his fellow toys amid rumors they'll be trashed when Andy leaves home, assuring them that Andy still loves them and will store them in the attic for safe keeping. He argues this is a fine future for outgrown toys: a warm dry place to themselves, getting to know the partiers in the holiday decoration boxes. This is the first of many clever ideas which lighten the story line from the toys' point of view, having done their duty and earned their retirement in the family home. At the same time, Mom urges young Molly to clean out her unused toys to donate to the local daycare center, Sunnyside. Naturally a mix up occurs, a daring rescue ensues, and Andy's toys end up being dropped off at Sunnyside!
There Woody, Buzz and the gang meet a whole new class of toys led by the strawberry-scented teddy bear, Lots o' Huggin' (wonderful Ned Beatty). Lotso encourages all the Sunnyside toys to welcome their new toy friends who now will be played with by an unending series of kids and never be left unwanted again. But all is not what it seems at Sunnyside, and soon Buzz, Jessie and friends find daycare a demolition derby of toddler destruction.
Boiling TOY STORY 3 down to this simple description fails to do the film justice, but no conscientious reviewer dares giveaway the plot delights and surprises found within which deserve to be discovered by audiences on their own merit. Suffice it to say that new characters like Lotso, Barbie's new playpal Ken (Michael Keaton nails it), the unicorn Buttercup (Jeff Garlin) and Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton) to name but a few are wonderful, imaginative additions to the TOY STORY inventory. Credit the skillfully crafted screenplay by Michael Arndt for this conceptual remix which charts a new dramatic course while preserving and enhancing everything audiences loved in the prior two films. This third adventure feels pleasingly different yet comfortably familiar at the same time, and its the interplay between these two states which empower TOY STORY 3's heartwarming, tear-wringing finale: old and new unite, ending and beginning turn their cycle as ever.
From its rollicking good opening sequence onward, TOY STORY 3 captivates and charms in every frame, using 3D to further immerse you into the toys' world without being distracting. The imaginative visuals of the character animation, expansive background locations and technical wizardry of lighting and textures earn a second viewing on their own. This summer's largely disappointing season at box offices will find quick remedy for its woes this Friday — at least for Disney and Pixar — as toy lovers old and new will pour into theaters for this superb sequel. The best gets even better as TOY STORY 3 takes its rightful place as another classic in the partnered studios' pantheon of animated treasures. Handkerchiefs not included, so bring your own. |
(5 stars)
