![]() The entire central section at the Sunnyside daycare center plays like a prison movie (think Cool Hand Luke) that develops into a prison break movie. The Toy Story 3 is nothing if not a smorgasbord of cinematic genre influences. What ensues is a genre defying mix of action incorporating prehistoric monsters and sci-fi villains in spaceships. ![]() Subverting the cliché, Woody can’t stop the train from going over the edge in time, but he is saved by Buzz Lightyear. Of course, it’s replete with Western clichés including the blown out bridge, the train full of orphans (played by a cadre of troll dolls), and the villain making the hero choose between catching him or saving the victims. The film opens with the breathless Western action sequence involving Woody chasing down a train that the “Evil Mr. So many today seem to use CGI as an end itself, rather than just a means to an end, and Pixar has always understood that it’s the heart and soul behind the animation that was of primary importance.Īs with all Pixar, there is an effortless control over plot, character, humor, action, atmosphere, and pacing, but what really stands out about Toy Story 3 compared all other Pixar efforts is the ambitious diversity. But the thing that is always distinguished Pixar as a superior animation studio was their ability to work as storytellers through the medium rather than being captive to the medium itself. The biggest leaps can be seen and intricate backgrounds, especially at the daycare center, which abounds in rich detail. It can even be seen the character designs, which haven’t really been changed, but refined by a plethora of minute degrees. The original looks downright sparse and juvenile compared to the lushness of part three. ![]() Woody manages to escape, thinking that he is going back to Andy and that his friends are happy in their new environment, only to find out elsewhere what’s really going on, which prompts him to break back into the center and free his friends.Ĭomparing this entry with the original, it becomes quickly apparent how far the animated technology of the medium has progressed. But it turns out that Lotso is a jaded totalitarian ruler who has manipulated the daycare system to allow him and his friends to be toys for the older kids, while the newbies suffer the wrath of the toddlers. When the toys arrive, they’re greeted jovially by Lotso and the other toys at the center, including a Ken doll voiced by Michael Keaton, who, obviously, immediately falls for Barbie as the two go to live in his dream house. The most important new addition is Ned Beatty as “Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear” or “Lotso” as he’s called. The entire cast from the previous two films reprises their roles, and it’s extraordinary that they have been able to maintain the integrity of this cast over such a long period of time. What initially seems to be an oasis for toys turns out to be a hellish nightmare as toddlers are more like tyrants than respectful owners. It seems are either destined for the attic or the trash, but a mistake leads to them being donated to the Sunnyside Daycare Center. ![]() The film opens with Andy going off to college and our miniature cast of heroes’ concern over what is to come of them. Like part two, three is concerned with what happens to toys when children grow up, but there are many variations that makes this more than just a retread. I’m utterly delighted to say that the film put all my fears to rest. After an 11 year wait, I was understandably anxious concerning how they could keep the series fresh for third entry. Arriving four years later, I was astounded by the sequel’s ability to live up to the greatness of its predecessor. Of course, like all successful franchises, Toy Story wouldn’t be complete without a trilogy. Even after what must be 10 viewings by now the movie never ceases to conjure that magic of childhood not just the magic of me watching the film as a child, but the magic of how childhood really is, with all its boundless imagination and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Of course, I really come to realize these latter two points much later in life as I revisited the film repeatedly. Has it really been 15 years since the first Toy Story? It seems like just yesterday I was a wide-eyed 10-year-old sitting in a theater watching the very first all-computer animated film what a magical experience that was! It was more than just the thrill of seeing something completely new on screen, it was the wonderful humor combined with a deep humanistic poignancy and pristine classical craftsmanship that marked the best of classic Hollywood.
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