Reviewed by Kate Rodger
Such a beloved collection of toys deserves to be treated with the utmost cinematic respect, and thankfully, that’s exactly what Disney does.
Pixar gifted us this little Toy Story treasure way back in the mid-nineties, following that up with a second instalment a few years later. Now, it’s time to blow the lid off that toy box again, Toy Story 3, and in 3D, is here!
Story is so key to the success of these animated outings and this does not disappoint on that front or any other. The new chapter feels fresh yet familiar, our old friends are welcomed back, and new friends and foes are painted with heart and soul. Altogether, they all come alive on the big screen.
In this third instalment, Woody and his band of merry toys find themselves at a crossroads. Andy is going off to college, his toy-playing days long gone. Will his beloved toys go with him? Will they be stored in the attic? Will they be thrown out with the rubbish? Or will they be donated to the local day-care centre? The answer comes with the ticket, but I don’t think I am giving too much away to say the answer is yes and no to all the above. It’s an adventure, and one definitely worth embarking on.
Tom Hanks returns to lend his vocal chords to toy leader Woody, as does Tool-man Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and all the team are under the direction of Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. helmer Lee Unkrich. What that means, is you can trust the story to be perfectly formed and paced, generously engaging and populated with a cast of characters you’ll be mighty pleased to hang out with for a few hours.
Toy Story 3 has more than enough to please fans old and new, young and old, and what a treat to see them all again.
Four and a half stars.
Toy Story 3
:: Director: Lee Unkrich
:: Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Ned Beatty, Estelle Harris
:: Running Time: 108 mins
:: Rating: G
:: Release Date: July 1, 2010
:: Links: Trailer
