Toy Story 3 is Practically Perfect in Every way
Pixar isn’t perfect. When writing about the animation studio powerhouse the tendency is to wax poetic about their unmatched ability to creatively do no wrong. It is easy to focus on the fact that since the original Toy Story was released in 1995, each subsequent film they have produced has been a diverse and fantastic work of pop storytelling. Pixar’s latest film, Toy Story 3, can easily be added to the list of near-flawless family friendly entertainment bringing the streak to an unprecedented eleven films in a row. Instead of heaping lumps of praise on the geniuses behind Toy Story 3, I would like to go with a bit of a punk rock angle and point out some of Pixar’s imperfections.
Here we go. A Bug’s Life isn’t that really good. Sure, Kevin Spacey does stellar work as the menacing villain Hopper and Heimlich the caterpillar is hilarious but the story is pretty simple and is aimed mostly at kids. It being a movie made for children, I suppose that actually isn’t a negative thing. Never mind that then.
How about this for a unique observation? Cars is a tad too long. It didn’t feel too long but its running time was nearly two hours. And I don’t really like Owen Wilson. He was great in The Royal Tenenbaums though, wasn’t he? And he co-wrote that movie as well, which makes him a pretty talented guy I suppose.
Forget it. I suppose the effort is futile. Everyone loves Pixar films because Pixar films are fantastic and Toy Story 3 is just another example of genuine perfection.
The new “Story” finds Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the usual crew of lovable misfits stuffed in a toy box awaiting their fate. Their owner, Andy (John Morris), is now seventeen and will soon be heading off to college and the neglected toys are contemplating the uncertain future. The best scenario seems to be getting shoved away up in the attic and none of them are very happy about this prospect.
When they are inadvertently donated to a nearby daycare center, however, they all think of it as a dream come true. Imagine getting played with everyday! After the daycare’s resident toys, lead by the strawberry scented teddy bear, Lotso (Ned Beatty), begin to show their true colors the situation becomes dire. Woody and Buzz are forced to fight their way out and find the back to Andy before he is lost forever.
The most impressive aspect of Toy Story 3 is its ability to feel like an extension of the original story and not merely a sequel that exists for the sake of profit. Unlike the last two Shrek movies, this chapter is justified and natural and plays as if it is just another day in the life of these characters. The film benefits from the eleven years that separates it from the second movie in the series. The world seems fresh because of this gap in time and revisiting these familiar faces comes with a sense of nostalgia that adds to the excitement that the movie delivers.
Hanks and Allen still have great chemistry together and the new characters bring plenty of laughter. Lotso the Bear is a marvelous villain and Beatty’s voice is nearly unrecognizable in the role. Barbie finally meets her Ken doll (Michael Keaton) that has a keen fashion sense and is responsible for a huge portion of the film’s laugh out loud moments.
The film is essentially a rescue/escape movie and director Lee Unkrich does a masterful job at continually raising the stakes and mounting the tension as the film progresses towards the exhilarating and heartwarming finale. Toy Story 3 also brings a degree of closure and anyone who doesn’t get a least a little choked up at the end of this film has no heart. It is that simple. If you don’t cry like a baby by the time the credits role, you have no heart.
Some of the special features:
· Toy Story Trivia Dash – This cool game challenges you to sprint to the finish with Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Rex as you quickly answer questions about all three Toy Story movies.
· Cine-Explore – Commentary by Director Lee Unkrich and Producer Darla K. Anderson.
· Beyond the Toybox: An Alternative Commentary Track Featuring Leads from Story, Tech, Art and Animation – Commentary by Story Supervisor Jason Katz, Supervising Technical Director Guido Quaroni, Production Designer Bob Pauley and Supervising Animators Bobby Podesta and Michael Venturini.
· Bonnie’s Playtime: A Story Roundtable – A roundtable discussion with Director Lee Unkrich and the story artists who brought the “Bonnie’s Playtime” scene to life.
· Roundin’ Up A Western Opening – The development of the movie’s exciting opening scene.
· Life Of A Shot – Toy Story 3 artists and technicians describe their contributions to a few of the shots in the film’s “Western Opening.”
· Goodbye Andy – An exploration of character design, acting and animation in the scene “Andy’s Goodbye.”
· Accidental Toymakers – By creating the Toy Story characters, the Pixar filmmakers found themselves in the unlikely role of toy designers. Meet the toy company that took a chance on manufacturing the now iconic toys and learn of their incredible success that began with a modest number of Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys 15 years ago.
· Making of Day & Night – The story behind the unique 2D/3D blended short.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_FfHA5whXc