Toy Story 3 is a sequel in name only; this is a wholly original story filled with brand new, scene-stealing characters to compliment the already established legends. Buzz Lightyear and Woody are still the unquestioned stars, though. This is their world, and we're just fortunate enough to be living in it. Woody is internally torn for a good portion of this film: does he allow his friends to live their days at Sunnyside and go to college with Andy, or does rescue his friends from Sunnyside and run the risk of never seeing Andy again? It is a great conflict that sets up the story beautifully and in a unique way. Yet again, Tom Hanks is the star of the show, constantly making us laugh hysterically while also providing the signature Pixar emotion punch on numerous occasions. Buzz is not always himself in Toy Story 3 (the Demo Mode and Spanish Buzz sequences are some of the film's many highlights), but he is still the character we all know and love. He experiences the same conflict as Woody. but Buzz realizes that Andy has grown up, and the toys may just need to move on and accept the fact that their life with Andy is over. The interactions that ensue between Buzz and Woody debating this issue are fantastic, allowing both Hanks and Tim Allen to clinch their spot among the great voice actors of all-time.
The rest of Andy's toys are all given ample chances to shine as well. Jessie was a welcomed highlight in Toy Story 2, and in this film, those fears she so eloquently expressed in the previous installment come back to haunt her. She loathes the idea of being placed into storage, so when the opportunity is afforded to her to always be played with at Sunnyside, she is all in. However, what makes Jessie such a fascinating character in Toy Story 3 is her ability to adapt to her situations. When it is revealed that Sunnyside is actually a treacherous prison, Jessie springs into action and assists the toys in their grand escape. She has conviction, but she also possesses common sense. Mr. Potato Head is prominently featured in one of the film's best scenes when he must transform into Tortilla/Cucumber Head. Slinky, Hamm, Rex, and the others also provide high quality comedic relief as well as the appropriate dose of emotion.
As phenomenal as the original characters are, Toy Story 3 takes on the bold and admirable task of introducing a ton of new characters as well, and leave it to Pixar to make every single one of these new characters memorable. We were introduced to Barbie in Toy Story 2, and in Toy Story 3, she meets Ken (voiced exquisitely by Michael Keaton). This is a creative decision that almost makes too much sense, but when Barbie and Ken first lock eyes, it's as if Pixar has ignited the greatest romance ever told. Barbie and Ken's interactions throughout the film are simply superb, elevated by the tremendous work of Keaton and Jodi Benson. Our villain, Lotso, is one of Pixar's finest villains to date. I have never despised a fictional character more than I despise Lotso, but the amazing thing about his characterization is that Pixar gives him a backstory that somehow makes it rather difficult to despise him (don't get me wrong: I still do despise him, but they came close to convincing me otherwise). Ned Beatty is the perfect voice for Lotso, deftly blending menace with perceived innocence. The entire ensmeble of characters encountered at Sunnyside are absolutely terrific, especially Big Baby and the Book Worm (voiced by Pixar legend Richard Kind).
I will never forget where I was whenever Toy Story 3's final act first transpired before my eyes. As Woody and the gang arrive at the dump, I never anticipated becoming such an emotional wreck. As the toys hopelessly fall into the incinerator (thanks for the help, Lotso, you jerk), they look around at their options. When Buzz realizes that there is no escape, he simply extends his arm to Jessie, and without the aid of words, we know what they are thinking: this is it. The toys link arms, and in a sheer stroke of genius, Woody acts as the glue for the entire crew both literally and symbolically. We all know that Pixar could not send these characters to a violent and scorching death, but in that moment, this was the end of the line for Andy's toys, and I have never cried so much in a film. Then, leave it to Pixar yet again to snap us out of our emotional coma with the most ingenious twist of all with the aliens using "The Claw" to rescue the forlorn toys. The emotions did not end there, however. As if that wasn't enough, Pixar takes us to the passing of the torch moment between Andy and the toys's new owner, Bonnie (who, by the way, owns a wide variety of excellent characters herself, such as Mr. Pricklepants, Buttercup, and Dolly). I'm going to discuss this scene in more detail below, but this sequence is forever ingrained in my mind. It is so beautiful, so perfect, so emotionally satisfying, and so Pixar.
I feel as if words can not do this film justice. I am struggling to adequately express how much I love this film. Toy Story 3 is one of those films that puts a smile on my face merely thinking about it. I could write about its perfection forever. I haven't even mentioned Randy Newman's stellar score, or the breathtaking animation, or the awesome beyond measure opening sequence and closing credits, or the insanely clever escape from Sunnyside. If there is such a thing as a perfect film, Toy Story 3 is it. This is the pinnacle of Pixar's magic, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: As Disney and Pixar were continually growing apart in 2004 immediately prior to the eventual union formed a couple of years later, an idea for Toy Story 3 was being developed. During this time, Disney attempted to open a new studio called "Circle 7," which would be charged with creating sequels for Pixar's films without the input from any of Pixar's staff (it was almost a nasty break-up, folks). The initial storyline for Toy Story 3 was that Buzz was going to have a defect, which would cause him to be shipped to Taiwan for repairs. Woody and the rest of the gang discover, though, that they are simply going to replace Buzz and a number of other toys, so they travel to Taiwan too in order to rescue Buzz. When Disney bought Pixar and amends were made, the idea was scrapped due to the mutual agreement between the studio that stated all ideas developed during this fallout period were to be permanently canned. Pixar's Toy Story 3 was a gigantic success for the studio. It became the first animated film to gross over one billion dollars worldwide (Frozen, Minions, and Zootopia have since accomplished that feat as well). It was the first IMAX release for Pixar, and it also became the first sequel to ever receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards without any of its predecessors previously earning a nomination. The film's theme song, "We Belong Together," took home the Best Original Song Oscar, becoming the first Toy Story song to win the award. Disney had recently defeated Pixar when a Toy Story song was up for the award with "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas defeating "You've Got a Friend in Me," and "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan defeating "When She Loved Me." Ironically, "We Belong Together" beat out Disney's "I See the Light" from Tangled.
Behind the Scenes: Big Baby only says one word in the entire film: mama. The filmmakers auditioned a lot of babies, and ironically, the baby whose voice can be heard in the film was named Woody. Director Lee Unkrich joked that his name was the only reason he got the part. Unkrich wanted the escape from Sunnyside to look as authentic as possible in relation to some of Hollywood's most famous prison breaks. Unkrich and his crew claimed, "There are a lot of prison movies out there, and I think we watched every single one of them." When they were not trying to create the perfect prison break, the filmmakers were attempting to effectively capture the look of Lotso's fur. If you recall, Lotso was originally slated to appear in Toy Story (he actually does in the first staff meeting, but he was suppose to have an expanded role). Pixar went into production anticipating that this would be their biggest concern, but it turned out that animating the sequences featuring the garbage bags were the trickiest. They spent weeks studying and animating garbage bags due to such special properties as how the bags reflect light from inside and out.
Favorite Character: Throughout the Toy Story franchise, Buzz and Woody have consistently remained my favorite characters. In Toy Story 3, we are introduced to a wide array of new, excellent characters (Ken, Bonnie, etc.), and even the franchise staples are developed even more (Jessie, in particular). However, it is always Buzz and Woody at the top of the list for me. These two are literal legends, not only for Pixar, but for Hollywood at large. Think about how far we have come with Buzz and Woody since 1995. They have grown from a friendship that was never meant to work to an everlasting bond that will never be broken. In Toy Story 2, it is Buzz who must save Woody, and in this third installment, Woody returns the favor. One theme of this entire franchise has been remaining endlessly devoted to your friends and family no matter what, and Buzz and Woody beautifully embody that message in Toy Story 3. Even when Woody escapes Sunnyside the first time and is free to return home to Andy, he cannot shake the feeling that he is wrongly abandoning Buzz and the rest of his friends. Plus, even when Buzz is finally getting played with, he feels as if Woody may have been right all along and they do need to return home to Andy. In the end, their devotion to one another and the rest of the gang wins out when Woody encourages Andy to donate the toys to Bonnie, ensuring that their friendship will endure to infinity and beyond.
Favorite Scene: I could have easily chosen that incredible opening of the iconic final playtime between the toys and Andy. I almost went with the expansive prison break sequence due to its amazing cleverness and ingenuity, but I just could not pick against that breathtakingly beautiful, life-defining final scene. Andy is packed up and ready to move to college, but he is still faced with the predicament of what to do with his loyal toys. With the assistance of Woody, he decides to donate the gang to Bonnie, Woody's owner for a short time upon escaping Sunnyside. As Andy introduces Bonnie to the legendary crew, we are each given one last chance to witness these characters in the spotlight. It is a perfect ode to this perfect ensemble of characters, the quintessential finale to one of Hollywood's greatest trilogies. In a franchise that has created some of animation's most endearing characters, it is fitting that they are the center of attention at this film's conclusion. However, nothing could possibly prepare us for that moment when Andy gets in his car to finally drive away. As he looks back at Bonnie with her new toys, Bonnie innocently takes Woody's hand and waves it to Andy. It is a moment that will reduce just about anyone to tears. We've been through a lot with these guys over fifteen years and countless repeat viewings, and that wave signified the end of an era. As Andy emotionally proclaims, "Thanks, guys," I cannot control my emotions. Then, as Andy drives off into the sunset, Woody ends this film in the most perfect way possible, simply stating, "So long, partner." I'll never forget the first time I saw this ending, and I'll also never forget the subsequent times I saw this ending. It is the ultimate emotional payoff, filled with sheer happiness and utter sadness. It is Pixar doing what Pixar does best: reducing us to tears while simultaneously giving us hope for the future.Updated Ranking: It is going to take a monumentally impressive film from Pixar in order for Toy Story 3 to lose its spot atop my rankings.
- Toy Story 3
- The Incredibles
- Toy Story
- Finding Nemo
- Up
- Ratatouille
- Wall-E
- Monsters Inc.
- Toy Story 2
- A Bug's Life
- Cars
Tomorrow, Disney builds off the momentum from the rejuvenation of the studio after The Princess and the Frog with Tangled!
-Cody Fleenor
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