It’s been fifteen years since Toy Story first revolutionised cinema as the first computer-generated image (CGI) feature-length film, and this third instalment is the stunningly heartbreaking conclusion – all in 3D!
Andy is now 17 and off to college. It is the end of an era and the toys face the depressing realisation that they’re time with Andy is over. They soon find themselves at Sunnyside Day Care Centre, a proverbial paradise for toys run by the cute and not-so-cuddly Lotso (Ned Beatty).
After a relatively slow start the movie picks up at a frenetic pace, with twists, turns and plenty of laughs culminating in a spectacular conclusion.
Toy Story 3 is nothing short of brilliant. This film appeals to everyone, regardless of age. Family films are extremely hard to do well, but Toy Story 3 hits every nail on the head with brutal accuracy. I actually struggled to keep back crocodile tears on more than one occasion. Picture that – an adolescent youth struggles to keep back tears as a toddler in the next chair laughs excitedly and claps his hands.
What really makes this movie special though is the profound sense of realism. These characters are literally built from scratch on a computer, yet they manage to tug at all your heart strings far better than most live actors do. It is extremely well written and intensely clever.
All the original voices return with Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack as Jessie, as well as a cast of new characters. Worthy of note is Michael Keaton as the very loveable albeit flamboyant Ken.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who grew up loving the Toy Story series. It is rare that the third movie in a series satisfies, but Toy Story 3 goes above and beyond anything I expected. Five stars!
Toy Story 3 is now screening at Cronulla Cinema Centre. Click for session times and other information.
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I saw this yesterday at Cronulla Cinemas, loved every minute. I am wondering if younger kids are nicer to their toys after watching this!