jpskewedthrone | Movie Review: Toy Story 3

I went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday in 3D. And I have to say, the movie was rather good. I haven't seen the first two movies, but this one was easy to get into and follow and didn't require knowledge of those movies. Sure, there was a joke or side comment that the rest of the theater reacted to that I didn't, so I assume it had something to do with the previous movies, but overall no real issues.

The plot of the movie was incredibly good, moving constantly, but switching easily from one set of characters to another. And it was a rather complicated plot as well. Pixar certainly doesn't hold back simply because it's supposed to be a kids movie. The basic premise is that Andy, the owner of the toys, is now 17 and ready to head off to college. So, does he take the toys with him, leave them behind in the attic, or should they be donated or trashed? They toys end up donated (on accident) to a local school/daycare. The rest of the movie is about them escaping the daycare and returning to Andy so they can discover their intended fates.

That's the premise. That's not what the movie is really about though. It's really about how the world changes, people change, and their needs change. It's about you deal with all of those changes, and how you take your fate into your own hands. It's about adjusting, and leaving people behind as they move on, and finding new friends after that. And it's about how changing and moving on isn't a bad thing necessarily.

There were some rather traumatic moments in the movie, especially for the younger set. Nothing I don't think the kids couldn't handle--I'm a firm believer in exposing kids to such things earlier on as it is; sheltering them isn't always a good thing (I have personal experience with this)--but it may bring up a few uneasy questions. Of course, nothing happens to the toys in the movie, but there is the threat. So be warned about that. And I'm not sure 3D was really necessary at all. I can't think of anything I saw in the movie that drew attention to the 3D at all or made me go WOW.

But in the end, I honestly can't think of a single thing in the movie that needed improvement. There were no weird plot moments, no odd character actions. Everything was smooth and . . . perfect. I'd strongly suggest everyone see this movie, whether you have kids or not.

And, yes, I cried at the end. I dare anyone not to cry.