Toy Story 3
I cannot overstate how good this movie is
How good is Toy Story 3? Film reviewers everywhere have been falling over themselves to find the perfect words to accurately explain why the third outing of Woody, Buzz and the Toy Story gang is such an amazing piece of work.
The short story (sorry, couldn’t resist) is Pixar - the excellent animation studio behind the Toy Story trilogy - again delivers an all-ages delight which bursts with humour, action, emotion and life lessons which should be too deep for a cartoon to provide.
The high standard of the first two films has been maintained and the additional punch of this being the final Toy Story rockets it into the stratosphere of legendary family films.
Everyone from tiny tots to their elder relatives will be hooked by Toy Story 3, a rich adventure about Woody and his fellow playthings facing the scrapheap as their owner Andy, now a teenager, heads off to college.
Ever felt unloved or unwanted? Toy Story 3 offers several responses to such feelings, from anger to sadness, acceptance to selflessness.
When all the toys, apart from Woody, are donated to a childcare centre, they are overjoyed at the idea of children constantly using them for what they are intended for – playing. But this dream becomes a nightmare, forcing Woody to lead a bold escape plan which ultimately plonks the toys in the face of fiery destruction at a garbage tip.
Terror, tension and concern sweeps over viewers during this dangerous sequence, Pixar building to a powerful climax which not only does justice to these beloved characters, it rewards our investment in their fate.
Tissues are mandatory when the sad but special send-off occurs. Saying goodbye to this collection of characters is bathed in the heartfelt light of friendship, a key theme gushing through this wonderful trilogy.
Demonstrating how being someone’s mate isn’t always easy, smooth or splendid, the unbreakable bond between the toys says a lot about true friends being those who ultimately stick together – come what may.
The self-sacrificing nature of the toys can also teach viewers much about being willing servants. Woody, Buzz and their pals understand they are created to serve and please their “master” (in this case, a child or children). How they remain devoted to this mission, no matter what happens to them, has substantial significance for Christians. Think about it, as you head back to see Toy Story 3 again. Yes, it is that good.
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