IN THE third installment of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story, Andy is already 17 years old and is about to enter college life. He now drives his own car and is seemingly anatomically attached to his electronic gadgets no longer the adorable critter who gets ecstatic over trips to the pizza parlors and playing with toys.
The movie opens with an action scene of Woody the Sheriff (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) saving the day with their trusted pals Jessie the cowgirl (Joan Cusack) and Bull’s-eye against the one-eyed Potatohead spouses (Don Rickles and Estelle Harris) and evil Dr. Porkchop (John Ratzenberger). But the adventure scene turns out to be just a sweet dream archived in a video tape. Andy’s eminent departure for college has made the toys feel spurned—they now have to confront the reality of the “attic mode.”
In fact, the toy squad soon found themselves banished out of Andy’s room and to Sunnyside Day Care, a haven for toys outgrown by owners like Andy. Because of its poignant story, Toy Story 3 tackles more complex issues than the first two movies, tugging at more heartstrings than usual, and definitely sets off tear ducts from time to time.
Toy Story goes beyond 3-dimension
It is not only Andy who has been keeping up with this millennium’s tech hype.
Toy Story 3 has evolved in giving its audience a 3D perspective and has satisfied the new batch of film aficionados’ penchant for an exhilarating digital experience. Just like its two predecessors, the plot of Toy Story 3 is enough to ensure maximum viewer satisfaction sans 3D effects.
Those who crave adrenaline rushes will surely find 3D enhancement the cherry on top of the icing as the effects add a punch to action scenes. But although exciting, some people may find the need to wear 3D glasses for the entire duration of the film bothersome.
Others may agree that one can do without the awkward glasses but the nice thing about this particular film is that people get their money’s worth. Unlike other films that claim to be in 3D but are actually half-breeds (partly 2D and partly 3D), Toy Story 3 is three-dimensional from the second it starts to the moment it ends.
The integration of this new technology in film truly adds novelty to this renowned series.
Animation takes a human leap
The combination of a charming, gutsy, pseudo-classic animation and Randy Newman’s fail-safe soundtrack with 3D technology has further allowed audiences to love and re-love this endearing trilogy.
This story of growing up and letting go is not uncommon in the real world. What seem to be complicated aspects of humanity are tackled and presented in a very resolute manner, such as wanting to be available to people even if one’s company is unwanted or accepting what time can do to relationships.
This movie captures uninhibited human emotions, most of them ironically expressed by children’s inanimate play things. Parts of the movie can even be considered satirical or least entertaining to those who refuse to succumb to mushy clichés.
Those who grew up watching Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang will surely welcome the unexpected ending with little Bonnie (Emily Hahn) and her friends.
With the franchise’s first premiere dating back to 1995, it is impressive how Toy Story’s team of creators has captivated and maintained a wide audience whether they be children or those young at heart. Alyosha J. Robillos
