Toy Story 3 DVD Review

This is how an animated movie should be done (Shrek take note): no gimmicks, unnecessary voice-talents or cringe-worthy musical numbers - just great characters, clever writing and a fun story. The toys (and the franchise) have certainly weathered time very well, and Toy Story 3 stands head and shoulders above most animated films of the past few years.

It has been years since Woody and the gang’s last adventure, and Andy is now 17 and off to college. In a bout of nostalgia, he decides to store his childhood toys in the attic. Unfortunately (in a classic Disney twist), the toys get lost en route, and instead end up in the local day care centre. Everything seems great to start with: the centre is run by a cuddly, strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O’Huggin’, Barbie finds her Ken, and there is an endless supply of kids who just love new toys. But it proves too good to be true, and the toys are soon planning a daring escape so that they can make their way home to Andy before he leaves for college.

The toys’ third outing completes the trilogy with style: it is sweet, heartfelt, clever and very funny. But, above all, it is just great fun. Woody and co. are among the best Disney characters ever created, and joining them in a new adventure feels like welcoming back old friends. Each toy is given his/her moment to shine, but watch out in particular for ‘Mr Tortilla Head’, and the scenes featuring Buzz after he is accidentally reset into Spanish mode. Hilarious.

Toy Story 3 may seem like a children’s film, but it is also a film for the children that we were when the first film was released; those of us who are old enough to remember seeing Toy Story in cinemas (way back in 1995!) have been waiting 10 years to discover the toys’ fate. There is enough excitement and slapstick to keep even very young children entertained, but the themes of nostalgia and growing up are aimed solely at adults.

Most importantly, Toy Story 3 is a film for students. After all, it was our generation who took Woody, Buzz and the gang into our hearts first time around, and we can relate to Andy as he packs up his room and prepares to head out into the big, bad world. It is a film that allows us to relive our childhood – if only for a couple of hours – and then bids it farewell. And the ending will most likely leave you wondering where all your old toys have ended up.

CMD