Toy Story 3

Great Storytelling and a Sweet Finale

by Patricia Draznin

In Toy Story 3, Woody convenes with fellow toys Mr Pricklepants, Buttercup, and Trixie (©Pixar/Disney. All rights reserved.)

In Hollywood the word sequel means double-dipping at the box office. After all, quality films that merit a second installation such as The Godfather or Star Wars are always the exception. But today we propose an addition to that short list of worthy sequels: Toy Story 3.

Toy Story 3 brings the exciting animated series to an amazing close, bearing every ingredient of superb storytelling with a cathartic, satisfying ending. Lead writer Michael Arndt delivers a clever, incredibly funny episode with far more sophistication than typical Disney productions. TS3 has a field day with high-tech Buzz Lightyear and classic clothes horses Ken and Barbie. And the insightful tale has a lot to say about loyalty, leadership, and the formidable value of sticking together. It also offers some soothing resolution about the process of growing up, moving on, and creating the next productive step.

Featuring the powerful voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, and Michael Keaton, and scored by the playful tones of music-meister Randy Newman, Toy Story 3 revisits the toy chest of Andy’s treasured companions, who anticipate their owner’s imminent departure for college. Andy’s beloved toys—Woody the cowboy, Jessie the cowgirl, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head—were once the constant focus of Andy’s love and wild imagination. But now his toys are forgotten keepsakes destined for the attic, and they sure are sad. What follows is a thrilling adventure filled with hair-raising twists along with some tender insight about leaving one’s playthings behind. And all from the toys’ point of view. It takes a special kind of writer to hold this unique vantage point without flexing the guidelines. And make it captivating. TS3 is a brilliant finale that will make you laugh and cry, fret, and celebrate, and cheer for those wise and lovable toys. It will also make you want to play with your old toys again one last time, to make sure you remember how. A 

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