Toy Story 3 - Review

“So long, partner” – A review of Toy Story 3. 

I love animated films, and Pixar are masters at what they do. If you’ve read my reviews of the first two films, you’ll know I love Toy Story, and for good reason. Nostalgic, funny and emotional, Toy Story 1 and 2 are truly great films, and the third film in the franchise is no different.

It’s been years since we’ve seen Andy and his toys, and now we see the film begin in a bittersweet way. Andy is growing up, and it’s the evening before he’s finally set to move out of his childhood home and go to university. The toys have become less and less important to Andy as he’s grown older, and now the toys face being separated and left behind. When a mix up leads to the toys being donated to a childcare facility called Sunnyside Daycare, the toys find themselves in a prison like environment ruled by a pink bear named Lotso. As Woody tries to get back to Andy, the other toys have to decide between staying at Sunnyside or returning to a boy who may never play with them again.

Just like the previous films, this isn’t just a film for children. Explored themes include growth, belonging, change and fear of abandonment, which also relates to fears over aging, uncertain futures and what our purpose is. This is a film about cherishing happy memories but also letting go of the past and moving on, and how friendship can survive no matter how much time passes and what circumstances life throws at you.

I think something really special about Toy Story 3 is the character growth you see. Whilst Woody is still a natural leader, he needs to learn to accept the realities of letting go and moving on. Even as Woody watches the other toys begin to accept that Andy has grown up, he really struggles to let go of the boy who had once loved him.

Abandonment is of course a key theme too, and not just for Woody and his friends; Lotso is a villain, but a villain born of heartbreak, and his tragic backstory adds so much depth to the story and actually makes him quite a sympathetic villain.

Of course, Toy Story 3 also has a lot of humour throughout. From Buzz switching to Spanish mode to Barbie and Ken reuniting, there’s a lot of satire to be found. The screenplay is moving and clever, but also witty and sharp, full of references for both adults and children to enjoy. There are also moments of tension, such as escape scenes which are reminiscent of a heist film, but these moments balance perfectly with emotional warmth and satire throughout.

One of the saddest moments in this film, and perhaps one of the saddest moments in animated cinematic history, is the incinerator scene. We watch helplessly as the toys stand together, hand in hand, accepting their terrible fates. The bravery, solidarity and acceptance in this scene makes it deeply moving but also reminds us how important the bonds between us and our loved ones are.

The passing of time is so relevant throughout the film. Not only are the toys showing signs of wear and tear, but seeing Andy growing up and moving on is a bittersweet goodbye to childhood. Sincere and heart wrenching, it’s an emotional farewell not just to the toys but to us, as we realise that we won’t see Andy play with his toys again.

I really love this film. Not only does it have a lot of heart, it’s also beautifully animated and comes with an incredible sound design. This is the type of film which forces you to reflect on your own life and where your priorities lie, a film that will have you laughing and crying, and a film that makes you consider what it really means to grow. For me, it’s probably the best film in the franchise, and one that I’m sure I’ll enjoy revisiting for years to come.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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