Sunday 10 October 2010

Film review - Toy Story 3

Toy Story was the first computer-animated feature, and its second sequel may just be the best. This film about a group of toys is a heartbreaking study of change and loss, but also an accomplished prison escape movie. It’s a comedy, but will make you cry.

Woody, Buzz and the gang have resigned themselves to a quiet life in the attic when they see their owner Andy start packing for college. But when they accidently get donated to a daycare centre, they enter a toy’s paradise full of children to play with and new toys to befriend. However, all is not what it seems at Sunnyside daycare, and they realise they have to get back to Andy.

Every frame of Toy Story 3 is full of invention, and every character a delight (except Jessie, who is as annoying as ever). It is this attention to detail that lifts Pixar films above all others aimed at children. The tight plot is expertly crafted, using genre clichés from horror and thrillers that keep the adults’ attention too. A hilarious script is performed by a wonderful cast, but Ned Beatty needs a special mention for the voice of strawberry-scented Lotso, one of the great film villains of all time.

As well as all the excitement in the story, there is also a lot of sadness. Ultimately this is a tale about growing up and leaving your childhood behind, which means it will probably have more effect on adults than children – they won’t know what they’ve got until it's gone. Only Professor Coldheart wouldn’t be blubbing by the end.

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