Toy Story 3

Earlier this week, I criticized Hollywood for its lack of new, creative ideas (see Get Him to the Greek).

Now, I will make a list of all the studios that are allowed to make as many prequels, sequels, remakes, and spin-offs as they want:

PIXAR

The third installment of the franchise that began Pixar’s unprecedented string of critically acclaimed hits, Toy Story 3, was released this week. To the surprise of no one, it is a fantastic film.

Our final adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the gang begins with Andy (the owner of the toys that serve as the focal point of the films) preparing to head to college. The toys are anxious and a bit frightened about what their futures will hold.

Does Andy still care about them? Will they ever be played with again? Or, worst of all, will they be thrown away?

Like most Pixar films, there is plenty here for children and adults. In fact, Toy Story 3 might have more meaning for adults than children. Not as funny as The Incredibles or as heartfelt as Up, Toy Story 3 will pull at the heartstrings of any parent who has watched a child leave for college or any person who has lost a dear friend.

Everyone should go see Toy Story 3 (and for that matter every other Pixar film to date). The movie has humor, suspense, action, and heart and is a fitting end to the first franchise from the best studio in Hollywood.

$ $ $ $ $ $

- Kevin