Toy Story 3

Director:Lee Unkrich
UK release: July 2010
Starring (voices): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger, Joan Cusack, Michael Keaton

IMDB PAGE



She said:

When the first Toy Story came out I was just 9 years old, and I remember being blown away. As the first feature length computer generated animation, this is the film series that transformed the face of animation forever. Suddenly everyone was marveling at the new possibilities but, at its heart, Toy Story caught people's imaginations for a different reason; its heart.

On the surface Toy Story is about childhood and playing, but dig a little deeper and you know the true heart of the story are the friendships between the characters and how they work together towards their common goal (making Andy, their owner, happy).

With these things in mind I have to admit being pretty nervous about seeing Toy Story 3. I couldn't see how they would end the series without it being on a negative note - either Andy would ditch them all before college, or he would split them up, or he would leave them to gather dust. But good ol' Pixar always pull through. I am impressed that they came up with such a genuine and satisfying 'end' to the series.

I have to admit that introducing Ken (of Ken and Barbie fame) into the mi of new characters was a stroke of genius. I think it is especially funny that Barbie and Ken play prominent roles in this film after Mattel refused to have the blonde icon in the original Toy Story!

While Ken provided humour, the Big Baby character caused me great anxiety. I am glad I didn't watch this installment aged 9! Big Baby is the type of character often used in children's films because unlike 'the villain' they are misunderstood and misguided. Big Baby in particular provides a contrast to the 'evilness' of Lots'o'Huggin Bear who is jealous and bitter. It provides a good moral message for the kids watching that doing bad things is a choice and redemption is always possible.

Overall I was really pleased with this film. Having struggled on one of my past radio shows to choose between Shrek and Toy Story I have to hold my hands up and confess my loyalty to Woody and Buzz. I have no doubt these films will be enjoyed to infinity and beyond. I give this film [5 out of 5].

He said:

I have a long history with this series as well, I was 15 when the first film was released but it struck a chord with me as for the majority of my childhood I had hoped that my toys would come to life. (Infact due to a lack of Ken dolls my sisters Barbie's had numerous affairs with which ever action figure happened to be with in reach. Beetleguese was often very pleased with his breakfast companions.)

There are a lot of little nods to the prior films in Toy Story 3 some blatantly obvious and some not so much. One of them that caught my eye was the nearly adult Sid at the beginning of the film with the garbage truck scene. The ever present Pizza Planet 'Yo' truck and of course The Claw.

The Toy Story trilogy is fantastic in that even though time has passed for our friends they are exactly as we remember them. I can guarantee that this is a trilogy that will still be as poignant heart warming and touching for my children as it was for Helen and myself. The same can not be said about many movies.

This is a great film and a wonderful addition to a fantastic series. If you are only going to see one film this summer you will not be disappointed with Toy Story 3 {{{{I give it 5 out of 5}}}}

They said:
We both enjoyed this film be warned there are definitely tear-jerker moments but this is a fantastic family film. [[[[We give it 10 out of 10]]]]