An ongoing series looking back at the feature films of Pixar Animation Studios
After 11 years, Pixar returned to the franchise that started it all - Toy Story - and received high acclaim. Not only was it the highest grossing animated film of all time (beaten recently by Disney's Frozen), but earned a Best Picture nomination much like Pixar's previous success Up. As a follow-up to the 1995 original and the 1999 sequel, it builds upon the elements brought up in Toy Story 2 about Andy (John Morris) growing up and moving away. Add the great timing for the film's release, it makes up a great premise. But with these factors in mind, is it a suitable conclusion to the trilogy?
A number of the original toys return for the third film, with those unavailable sold or given away within the past decade. Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) still have the great friendship, with Hanks and Allen successfully rekindling their chemistry 11 years on; whereas Jessie (Joan Cusack) is expanded on with a new romantic entanglement with Buzz along with an expansion on her fear of abandonment from her first appearance; even the secondary characters from the first two are given morr spotlight. The only character out of the returning bunch which is underused is Bullseye, but understandable as it's hard to use a mainly mute character. However, he is given a sweet moment in which he follows Woody out before being stopped.
As for the new characters, they're equally charming. The villainous Lotso (Ned Beatty) is incredibly menacing, which a great backstory to boot; Ken (Michael Keaton) is extremely amusing despite the possible joking about possibly being homosexual; Bonnie's toys are very likable, easily setting up the future adventures in Bonnie's room via the Toy Story Toons; however, some toys at Sunnyside are nothing more than henchmen. They do gave some great moments, especially Big Baby, but nothing which makes them stand out from the large cast.
The story itself is very much a prison break film mixed with references with the previous films. It ranges from the imagination of a child (brim with references with the opening to the first Toy Story) to the darkness of the daycare centre and the dump with absolute ease, and with such amusing highlights like Spanish Buzz and emotional scenes like Andy's goodbye, it brings a highly enjoyable story.
The animation is clearly an improvement on the first two, with such advancements in the past 11 years allowing a lot more for the film. It's clear just how much it's changed, and it makes the film look better than ever. It's bright, it's foreboding, it's everything the film needs to be and then some.
Toy Story 3 does lack in characterisation for its new recruits, but it has an incredibly strong story with an emotional kick within its conclusion. It's a grand tour of the trilogy's strong points. Whilst not as strong as the 1995 predecessor, it is a worthy continuation and return to the franchise that could. 9/10.
Next Time: Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure
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