TOY STORY 3 (Rated PG for some scenes that might scare youngsters): Two things come immediately to mind after seeing this delightful film: It's possible to make a sequel that equals, if not betters, the original, and it's equally possible to make a comedy devoid of low humor, profanity & embarrassing vulgarities, and still be delightfully entertaining.
Honest! Pixar has done it again, providing 95-minutes of brilliant non-stop action guaranteed to please entire families - preceded by an exceptionally clever, original animated short, "Day & Night."
This second sequel sets off with an opening zinger, satirical nonsense spoofing what one might find opening up any standard sci-fi action flick, then takes off with a new story as the toys from the original two earlier flicks are worried about their now-grown-up kid, preparing to take off for college. What will become of them? Trashed? Given away to charity? Carted off to the attic for some future use? A little of all?
This sequel #2 comes out 15 years after the original and 11 years after the equally splendid sequel. Andy, now 17, is ready for higher education. What will happen to the toys from his childhood? Actually, the decision is up to THEM, since they come to life, remember, whenever no human is present. Through a series of cliff hangars they escape one dire consequence after another - from a box in the attic to destruction in a garbage heap to evil toys dominating a Day Care center, to incineration - during which learn about lasting friendships, love and loyalty. It's magic spreads to all ages.
Honest! Pixar has done it again, providing 95-minutes of brilliant non-stop action guaranteed to please entire families - preceded by an exceptionally clever, original animated short, "Day & Night."
This second sequel sets off with an opening zinger, satirical nonsense spoofing what one might find opening up any standard sci-fi action flick, then takes off with a new story as the toys from the original two earlier flicks are worried about their now-grown-up kid, preparing to take off for college. What will become of them? Trashed? Given away to charity? Carted off to the attic for some future use? A little of all?
This sequel #2 comes out 15 years after the original and 11 years after the equally splendid sequel. Andy, now 17, is ready for higher education. What will happen to the toys from his childhood? Actually, the decision is up to THEM, since they come to life, remember, whenever no human is present. Through a series of cliff hangars they escape one dire consequence after another - from a box in the attic to destruction in a garbage heap to evil toys dominating a Day Care center, to incineration - during which learn about lasting friendships, love and loyalty. It's magic spreads to all ages.
Most of the actors return to play the same roles here - also starring Tom Hanks as Woody, supported by Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Ned Beatty, Don Rickless, Wallace Shawn and Estelle Harris as well. The animation is, if anything, better than what Pixar has done in the past. Details are so carefully included (signs of age among the toys, for example) that at times one forgets these are not real life creatures; while the depictions of homes, play centers, etc., reveal the Pixar attention paid to the slightest things, from furniture to refuse piles.
Can it have anything but a joyous ending, with Randy Newman's swelling orchestration at the end (which continues right through some of the most audacious scenes during the end credits)? I doubt it.
Lee Unkrich, who assisted directing the earlier films, here solos, with a top notch, clever script by Michael Arndt. Toy Story 4, anyone? (Grade: A)