Opening Day: 17 June 2010

Synopsis:

The creators of the beloved "Toy Story" films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favorite gang of toy characters in "Toy Story 3." As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo"), "Toy Story 3" is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can't wait to get their sticky little fingers on these "new" toys. It's pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring "no toy gets left behind." Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken).

Movie Review:

Eleven years. That is how long we have been waiting for them.

Yes, we are referring to Woody the adorable cowboy pull string doll, Buzz Lightyear the awesome space ranger action figure, Rex the large green synthetic dinosaur, Hamm the witty plastic piggy bank, Slinky the toy dachshund with a metal slinky for its body, and Mr. Potato Head the sarcastic Playskool potato shaped toy. We last saw these toys in 1999’s Toy Story 2, which was the first movie ever to be entirely created and screened in the theatres digitally. Some regarded it to be a solid and successful sequel to 1995’s Toy Story, which is rare of the majority of sequels from other films.

Eleven years. That is how long we have been waiting for this third movie of the phenomenal global franchise. After 11 long years, here it is finally – and do we love it?

One word to sum up the third instalment: Perfect.

The whole gang from Andy’s room is back. The problem is, Andy is no longer the little boy we used to know. As he prepares to depart for college, these loyal toys find themselves in a day care centre where kids do not play nice. So it’s up to Woody and Buzz to lead the gang in a great escape back home. The big adventure is joined by other toys, both good and bad. Amongst them is a pink strawberry scented bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants, and everyone’s favourite Barbie accessory, Ken.

Why does everything from Pixar work? Because of the geniuses behind it. In this day and age where animated films are becoming snazzier, the folks at Pixar maintain what matters most – heart.

In this 109 minute feature (we won’t want to give too much away for the six minute short “Day and Night” which precedes the movie, but we can tell you it’s a refreshing look at life), the filmmakers made sure that it was as good as the first two, and audiences would walk away with the feeling that it is one grand story when put together. 15 years have passed since the landmark Toy Story in 1995, but the unique look and fascination of the film remains, while exploiting the latest advancements in technology. You’d witness it while watching the film in Digital 3-D, and as we try to empathise with Mr. Potato Head - it’s an eye popping experience.

Lee Unkrich (co director for Toy Story 2, Monster’s Inc. and Finding Nemo) takes on the role to bring the voices of Tom Hank’s Woody, Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear, Wallace Shawn’s Rex, John Ratzenberger’s Hamm, Blake Clark’s Slinky Dog and Don Rickles’ Mr. Potato Head to life. The wonderful voice cast is joined by Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Timothy Dalton, Jodi Benson and Whoopi Goldberg in a colourful palette of characters which are memorably personalised.

The comedy is filled with big sets and adrenaline pumping adventure. These take place not only in the day care centre, but at locations like a rubbish dump and gasp, an incinerator. The action is engaging, and whether you are a kid who still brings your toys to bed or an adult who displays your toys on the shelves, you will feel the true emotions of the screenwriters throughout the movie.

Amidst the advanced technology, there is an old school charm. Amidst the humour, there are life lessons to be learnt. Amidst the laughter, there are tears to be shed. And most importantly, amidst the exhilarating valour, there is lots of heart.

Eleven years. It was worth the wait, and thanks for reminding us that through the film medium, as long as we believe, there are worthwhile emotions to be experienced.

Movie Rating:



(Perfect)

Review by John Li