…right here:
NOTE: There are NO spoilers here. I loved this movie and don’t want to ruin one bit of it for anyone.
1. A brilliant short titled “Day & Night” from director Teddy Newton. Sure, Pixar continues to amaze audiences with their animation prowess, but this dialogue-less short is innovative even by Pixar standards. It’s both a conceptual and technological masterpiece.
2. I have to admit I was a bit leery going into “Toy Story 3” for a few reasons. First, because Pixar has hit towering home runs on their past two outings (“Wall-E” and “Up”) and I honestly didn’t know if they could keep it up year after year. Second, because it’s hard to pull off even one sequel that pushes the boundaries of originality, let alone a third film in a franchise. But with that being said, and I truly can’t believe I’m going to say this, but “Toy Story 3” just may be the best movie out of the “Toy Story” trilogy.
3. Three words: Mr. Tortilla Head.
4. “Toy Story 2” came out in 1999. That’s eleven years ago, folks. And while the animation and technology used back then is still impressive today, it’s nowhere near what Pixar is accomplishing in the third film. This is the best you’ve ever seen Woody and Buzz; not only is it darn impressive, but it shows that Pixar is in a perpetual state of evolution. I can’t wait to see what they release in 2021. It just might make my head explode.
5. Michael Keaton brings life to Barbie’s soul mate Ken. The addition of this character to the franchise (and Keaton to the cast) is fantastic. I never thought I’d say this but… I love Ken.
6. I said it about their last two films and I’ll say it again: Pixar likes making audiences cry! Their storytelling and character development is so on point here that by the end of the movie I was hearing sniffling and watching grown adults wipe their eyes! They’re crying over a computer-generated plastic toy voiced by Tom Hanks! You win, Pixar! Okay? Next time can you make a movie that doesn’t make me feel like a middle-aged woman watching “Fried Green Tomatoes”?
7. Spanish. (You’ll know it when you see it… I mean, hear it.)
8. The dialogue is both smart and, at times, a bit adult. For example, at one point Barbie goes on a short little rant about democracy that’s simply brilliant. Just further proof that kids don’t need to drag their parents to see Pixar movies; parents want to see these movies.
9. By far the creepiest character (and toy) of the franchise yet is introduced: Big Baby. And I mean creepy in a disconcerting, David Lynchian kind of way. And no, it’s not an action figure of Robert Blake… though that would be awesome.
10. What “Monsters, Inc.” accomplished with fur and hair, and “Finding Nemo” accomplished with water, “Toy Story 3” accomplishes with trash. I know you probably think that “Wall-E” holds the title for believable garbage, but you’d be wrong. The trash in “Toy Story 3” is damn impressive… as odd as that sounds.
One short of a dozen,
12 comments
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June 13, 2010 at 9:31 pm
casinoskunk
That’s good to hear. I am glad that Pixar didn’t just make the 3rd film to make a quick buck. I am glad to hear that they actually have a good story to tell.
June 14, 2010 at 6:27 am
paulyS
Can’t wait!
June 14, 2010 at 9:18 am
Drew Linne
YAY!! I was so worried, cuz like you said, the 3rd movie in a series is rarely any good, not to mention a 2nd one!
June 14, 2010 at 10:50 am
llisa
Thanks for the review!
I was really hesitant (terrified) to go see TS3.
I too was worried it would be less than it should and I so love 1 & 2.
Now?….
EEeeeeeeeeexcitement!!!
June 14, 2010 at 11:03 am
jshady
Definitely check it out, guys! I’m pretty sure you’ll dig it!
June 14, 2010 at 2:40 pm
dni
Michael Keaton + David Lynchian = -2 (for my taste)
But hell, an 8 is pretty darned good and I am very much looking forward to seeing it.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the 3D (I assume you big city-slicker folks got to see it that way).
June 14, 2010 at 3:14 pm
jshady
The 3D was good. To be honest, about five minutes in I had already forgotten that it was in 3D because they didn’t do any gimmicks or tricks. Personally, I’m not a fan of 3D, but it was subtle and handled well. But the movie definitely didn’t need it to be good.
June 18, 2010 at 8:39 pm
decker
The opening short, perfection!
Like Up the 3D isn’t used as a gimmick, it only serves to enhance the depth. I agree with Shady. I forgot about it within the first 15 min and wouldn’t miss it.
It is tough to keep the magic going in sequels, but PIXAR has created characters that you can’t help but love. With Toy Story you instantly become a kid and wish for the days when all you wanted to do is sit on the floor and play with your favorite toys. The first scene sells that magic.
The trash was so good you could almost smell it.
Yeah, I teared up twice…….. OK, thrice.
June 20, 2010 at 10:57 pm
jshady
I done told you!
June 21, 2010 at 8:33 am
dni
loved it. terrific movie.
July 3, 2010 at 10:19 am
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