Toy Story 3

Director: Lee Unkrich
Writer: Michael Arndt
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Release Date: June 18, 2010
Length: 1 hour 43 minutes

Writer/director John Lasseter is finally back to give us the last part of the story, the toy story that is. This time though, he is sitting in as producer while Lee Unkrich directs. In Toy Story 3, Andy has grown up and is now going to college, which means separation from all his beloved toys. The story is touching and all, but if I had an 18 year old kid, I would just hope that he wouldn’t still be playing with his toys that he’s had since he was a toddler. Although Andy plans on taking Woody (Tom Hanks) to school with him, the rest of the toys are facing being put in the attic. Andy’s mom mistakes the bag they are in as trash and the toys almost die being put in a garbage truck, if not for Woody. Believing that Andy doesn’t want them anymore, the toys sneak their way into a donation box to Sunnyside Daycare. When they arrive at the daycare they are warmly welcomed by Lotso Bear (Ned Beattie) and put into the toddler section of the facility. After their first day with the violent children, the toys realize they would prefer to be in the attic, but their escape might not be as easy as they thought. It has been 11 years since the last installment of the Toy Story franchise and man, have we missed our old pals. To see Woody, Buzz (Tim Allen), Jesse (Joan Cusack) and all the other toys was enough reason for me to see this movie to begin with and I may sound like a 7 year old kid when I write that, but I can assure you that there were as many adults and teenagers as there were little kids in the theater. Everyone wanted to see the final chapter of this lovable story that’s been around for 15 years (as long as I have been alive). Well, the verdict’s in. This film was definitely long worth the wait, but bring at least five boxes of tissues. Maybe I’m a bit sensitive, but this film is not only sad because it’s the end, but in certain parts, you will be sobbing loud enough for the audience to hear you. Then again, you might just think it’s a sweet movie and not cry at all, but a warning is always helpful. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack were once again amazing as the voices of these well-loved characters. Supporting actors, Don Rickles and Estelle Harris were hilarious as our favourite couple Mr. And Mrs. Potato Head, Wallace Shawn couldn’t have been more perfect once again as Rex, the insecure scared dinosaur and John Ratzenburg as the cocky Hamm, the pig, was great to hear again. Lending their voices for the first time to this franchise was Ned Beattie as the evil Lotso Bear and Michael Keaton as Ken. Beattie was brilliant as a toy that had turned evil after having a traumatic experience as a toy and Keaton was hysterical as Ken, the male girl’s toy who was very feminine. Overall, Toy Story 3 was one of the most touching films I’ve ever sat through, right along with Up. There couldn’t have been a better ending to this lovely tale. Whether you are taking your kid, or you just want to see for yourself (which is not weird), you will not be disappointed by Toy Story 3.