26 June,2010 08:37 AM IST | | Tushar Joshi
Toy Story 3
U; Animation
Dir: Lee Unkrich
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, and Michael Keaton
Rating: '''
What's it about: It's been over a decade since we last met Woody (Hanks) and Buzz (Allen). Well, they are back, this time in a whole new dimension and with a team of new friends. When the first Toy Story came out in 1995, there was an instant connect to the film that talked about friendship, companionship and overcoming obstacles while having fun along the way. Pixar resisted numerous temptations to follow up the original with a series of sequels, but it resisted and waited till there was a story worth telling. In the third part, they don't just have a story but so much emotion to back it up. Andy (John Morris) has grown up, he isn't the kid having galactic wars with Buzz or riding the desert with Woody. A day before leaving for college, he needs to make a decision about his favourite toys locked up in a box -- does he trash them, put them in the attic or take them with him? The answer isn't simple, putting Woody, Buzz and rest of the gang in a precarious situation that takes them on the journey of a lifetime where they discover who their real friends are and how far will they go to prove they belong together.
What's hot: Right from the opening scene to the last, there is a reason for everything happening. The biggest asset of the film is the script scoring over the animation. When the toys are locked up in the box wondering where their future lies, you can actually feel for them. After landing up in a daycare centre, the film takes a completely different turn. The teen princess Barbie and the metrosexual prince Ken make a whacky debut giving moments that will stay with you for a long time. Watching Ken show off his 'closet' to Barbie takes his character to a different level. Buzz and Jessie (Joan Cusack) have a special track that's totally unexpected. Watch Buzz do the tango and put his best Spanish foot forward. Andy and Buzz go through a difficult phase when they separate for a while. There's a great message in the film -- of never giving up on your best pal even when the odds are against you. The climax hits an emotional high and don't be surprised if you reach for that tissue. When Andy has that look at Woody and Buzz towards the end, you realise how much significance these toys hold for him. Of course, apart from Woody and Buzz, we have the regulars -- Mr and Mrs Potato head, Rex the ferocious dinosaur and others.
What's not: I don't know how much of a difference 3-D made to the experience, but don't miss the short film Day & Night at the beginning. It's not all fun and games, there are pretty serious moments in the film. Andy should have got more screen time with his favourite toys capturing his best memories of them.
What to do: We hope this isn't the last we see of Andy and Buzz, cause Toy Story 3 just reminds us how much we love them and want more.
