Drawn That Way:
Toy Story 3
By Daniel Pellegrino
June 23, 2010
BoxOfficeProphets.com
Jim Herzfeld originally wrote Toy Story 3. His story found the toys traveling to Taiwan in search of a recently recalled Buzz Lightyear. His film was never made under the newly formed Circle 7 Animation. If it would have happened, I picture the film involving Miley Cyrus as a promiscuous dolly, Selena Gomez as some sort of Spanish-English hybrid toy, and Vanessa Hudgens probably would have sang the inevitable end credits pop song just as newly-released nude photos showed her in an uncompromising position with current beau, Zac Efron (whose facial features are more girlish and delicate than any of the dolls in the Toy Story franchise, but I digress). Fortunately, Pixar reached a deal with Disney and scrapped the original project in favor of a new story.
The new story, written by Michael Arndt and directed by Lee Unkrich, tells the tale of our favorite toys dealing with their owner, Andy, going off to college. The movie starts in a familiar place. The opening sequence is delightful, and an homage to the second film's opening sequence in Buzz Lightyear-land. Fans will notice that many of the toys from the original are no longer a part of Andy’s life. RC, Bo Peep and Wheezy have found new homes. The only toys left are Buzz, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Rex, Hamm, The Potato Heads, Slinky Dog and the Aliens. The core group has become family and we see them truly embrace this bond throughout the film.
The film kicks into high gear as the toys are transferred to Sunnyside Daycare. Here we are introduced to a slew of new characters to the franchise. Lotso, Stretch, Baby and a perhaps closeted Ken doll are all welcome additions. It’s amazing how the creators have managed to incorporate every major toy archetype throughout the franchise. No matter how old you are, you will recognize a similar toy from your childhood. This is what makes the emotional material resonate so well with people of all ages.
The rest of the plot should not be spoiled. Just know that you will enjoy yourself. You’ll laugh when Mr. Potato Head uses his parts in a new way. You’ll be on the edge of your seat during the climax. You’ll cry at least twice during the last 20 minutes. If you don’t at least tear up, you’re a robot (and not a good robot like WALL-E). The point is that the story is great. It’s Pixar.
So let’s move on and talk about a few other great things about the flick. The voice cast is perfect. Blake Clark takes over for Jim Varney as Slinky (Clark is no stranger to Disney as he played the down-and-out father of Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World). Everyone else reprises his or her roles from the first two films. Joan Cusack is such a great presence as Jessie. Barbie was hilarious in the second film as voiced by Jodi Benson (also the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid). Here, her doll counterpart, Ken, voiced to perfection by Michael Keaton, upstages her. In 2006’s Cars, Keaton voiced Lightning McQueen’s nemesis. He’s hilarious in Toy Story 3 as the maybe-gay Ken who loves to model his wardrobe for Barbie. Ned Beatty does great work as Lotso.
Other actors shine in smaller roles. Bonnie Hunt provides her calming voice as Dolly; Whoopi Goldberg reminds us of her villainous turn in The Lion King with a similarly mean Stretch; and Jeff Garlin is a hilarious choice to play Buttercup the unicorn. While on the topic, I’d like to take a special moment to acknowledge Laurie Metcalf as Andy’s Mom. She has a great moment in the end that every parent and child can relate to and will surely make your eyes well up. Metcalf has always been a phenomenal actress, most notably portraying neurotic Jackie on the classic sitcom Roseanne. Metcalf is perfection and I think every film could benefit from having her acting skills on display.
The other technical aspects of the film are just great. The score adds to the movie without distracting from what’s onscreen. Visuals are dazzling. The world still has the look it did in 1995, but the detail in the animation is obviously better in 2010. I saw the film in 3-D. Normally, I’m not a fan of 3-D, but Pixar does a great job of using the technology to enhance the story instead of distract from it.
There are a few great easter eggs in the film to look out for. At Sunnyside Daycare, there is a little girl that looks an awful lot like a slightly older Boo (from Monster’s Inc). Pixar usually incorporates characters from upcoming films in their current releases, so also keep a look out for the new Car character from next years Cars 2. The Pizza Planet truck makes a cameo (as it does in every Pixar film), and even Sid from the first film shows up as a garbage man. Director Lee Unkrich hails from Northeast Ohio, so keep an eye out for a few references to his hometown of Chagrin Falls if you’re familiar with the area. There are a few other fun surprises and cameos you’ll find if you keep an eye out.
I didn’t want the film to end. I love these characters. The third film made me love them even more. I mentioned the end would make you cry. I had such a strong emotional response to the movie. I was touched by the themes presented - moving on, family and imagination. Aside from that, I found myself tearing up because I was so in awe of Pixar. They’ve created films that will live on forever in the same way that early Disney films live on today. I’m so inspired by their brilliance. Multiple generations can view their work and love it all the same. They bring people together. They move us in ways that no other film studio does. They are the most brilliant people working in the industry today.
I’d recommend that every single person round up someone special and see Toy Story 3 in a theater as soon as possible. Share the experience with someone because it’s a movie you won’t forget seeing. If you have children in your life, pick up some popcorn and bring them to the movie. They will look back on that time spent in the dark theater and remember it their entire lives because the movie is that good. If there is a special someone you want to take on a date, see this movie. You will leave feeling closer to each other because of the emotional experience you just shared. However you are able to see this movie, do it. Walt Disney once said, "Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language." Pixar once again proves this to be true. What are you waiting for? Get off your butt and go see this movie!