As Andy Heads Off to College, What Will Happen to the Toys?: Another Masterpiece From Pixar

At a time in which many animated movies are pandering to the kids with lazy jokes about flatulence and so on, Pixar remains a remarkable symbol of greatness and intelligence. Over the course of the last few years, Pixar has given us "Cars", "WALL-E", and "Up", three wonderful films that will be remembered for years to come. And now they have delivered "Toy Story 3", the third and final installment in the magnificent "Toy Story" franchise. And once again, Pixar has struck gold. This is one of the best movies of the year, a funny, engaging, and heartwarming adventure.

.



"Toy Story 3" takes place as Andy prepares to take off for college. Thus, he has to decide which of his beloved toys he wants to take with him, and which toys he wants to leave behind. For Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang, this ordeal is immensely worrisome. When Andy decides to take Woody to college and leave the rest behind, the toys' response is one of dejection. Even Woody is sad at the prospects of leaving his friends behind. The letdown of the toys is at first only momentary, however, as they become enthralled at the seemingly ideal environment of their new home: the local day care center. Much to their fright and dismay, however, the day care center turns out to be a horrible place in which immature kids toss around the toys with reckless disregard and abandon. Making matters worse, the day care center is ruled by a selfish, controlling toy bear named Lotso. Thus, Woody and the gang must try and escape, and get back to Andy before it is too late.

.



This premise is so exciting and compelling that at times I felt as if I was watching a first-rate action thriller. In addition to being fast and energetic, however, "Toy Story 3" retains the loving spirit and charm of the first two films. Director Lee Unkrich and screenwriter Michael Arndt ("Little Miss Sunshine") deserve heaps of praise for the remarkable manner in which they blend scenes of kinetic energy with scenes of quiet nuance. By the end of the film, I was on the verge of tears. You can't help but get swept up in the beautiful emotions of this beautiful film.


.

Once again, the animation and voice-over acting is top-notch. The colors jump off the screen, creating a magical experience for the viewer. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Jeff Pidgeon, Jodi Benson, R. Lee Ermey, John Morris, and Laurie Metcalf all bring delightful heart and energy to the proceedings. And it is a hoot to listen to the very funny Michael Keaton as Barbie's soul-mate, Ken.

.

If there is justice in the world, "Toy Story 3" will receive a Best Picture nomination at the end of the year. Smart, funny, and powerful, "Toy Story 3" is a joyous ode to the magic of youth.