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The 2010 third installment in Pixar's Toy Story series.
< read all 48 reviewsA Bittersweet Look into the Secret Life of Toys
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Jun 30, 2010
- by devora
- posted in Movie Hype
Rating:
I don't often make my way to the movie theater, but as a lifelong Pixar fan and in particular, of the Toy Story series, I just had to make my way out to watch the third installment on the big screen. And needless to say, I loved it. Absolutely loved it, just like I knew I would, and was told I would, even before watching it. The short preceding the film was fantastic as well.
+5
Though this is a seemingly far fetched film about a bunch of attention-starved, neurotic talking toys, it touched upon many profound themes, including change, purpose in life, sense of duty, loyalty, growing up and how some things are just a fact of life. The storyline and the perspective that this film offers is amazingly imaginative. You get to see the surprisingly realistic life cycle of a toy and many of the situations that toys end up in, except through the unique perspective of the actual toys, making this a very engaging and thought-provoking film.
The graphics are amazing as always, and the writers once again did a fantastic job at humanizing these toys. The toys in this movie are such characters with such distinct personalities. Among the newer ones who stood out the most were Lotso and Chuckles, what with their Southern drawl and all. Those two show that you really can't judge a book by its cover. And Ken (as in Barbie's Ken!). Oh, Ken. Does a guy get anymore flamboyant? I'd kill for his closet. One of my favorites of the new human characters is Bonnie, a toddler who can't get anymore adorable.
I rarely ever cry during movies, but I have to admit, Toy Story 3 actually brought on the waterworks for me, which I didn't think would happen, muchless during an animated one (the last movie that I got misty-eyed for was The Notebook!). I started getting teary-eyed during the incinerator scene, then started bawling by the time the toys made it to Bonnie's house and Andy made this speech:
Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you. Ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what.
I was straight crying like a baby for the last 15 minutes of the film. Based on the other reviews in the Movie Hype community, I'm obviously not the only one who feels this way about Toy Story 3. Check out the snippet reactions on my FB wall, too:
Movie reviews typically aren't my forte -- in fact, this is the second that I've ever written -- but for Toy Story 3, I just had to. If you haven't seen it yet, you must. Very highly recommended for anyone. This film will stir up all sorts of nostalgic feelings and make you want to go home and pay attention to all of your toys again.
So long, partner.
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Madpenguin
December 03, 2011
This is one I still have to get around to, and more than likely I'll have to rewatch the first two to refresh myself. Nice write up.
devora
December 03, 2011
You should watch it! No need to rewatch the other two to understand the third one, though. Unless you really want to have a Toy Story marathon :P
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Kort_Kramer
February 18, 2011
It was one of the best movies in 2010, and maybe the best Toy Story adventure. I'm not ashamed to say my eye were tear for the whole end of the movie. ;)
devora
February 18, 2011
Definitely was! And anyone who wasn't at least a little misty-eyed at the end is either lying or doesn't have a soul! ;P
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MzJen_2_review
September 25, 2010
Well said Devora, I'm also I major Pixar fan myself. At first seeing the previews of yet another toy story i thought Disney and Pixar was just trying to make another movie to bank on a good series. The family and i haven't caught that it but it will make a great add on on the DVD collection ;-)
devora
September 25, 2010
Thanks for your comment, Mz Jen! Fo' sho this is the perfect addition to your family's DVD collection. I wasn't going to catch this because I felt the same way, but I'm so glad that my friends convinced me to!
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Sharrie
July 19, 2010
Ok, SOLD! :-)
devora
July 19, 2010
Yay, it's a must! Are they showing it in your neck of the woods yet?
Sharrie
July 19, 2010
I tried to pick it up in DVD last weekend but the supplier told me the quality is not so great on this one. Will have to wait for another version, possibly on Blu-ray disc :-)
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jtrtngrl
July 10, 2010
And may I say one of my favorite quotes by Jessie " I know where his reset button is" ;) hahaha!
devora
July 10, 2010
YES! I think real guys need one of those. And an Espanol mode ;)
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jtrtngrl
July 10, 2010
The entire movie was great! The only thing that was a little different from the others was there wasnt as much double talk as in the previous ones. The movie was a major tear jerker, which suprised me. I also saw it at the midnight showing in 3-d, I was a little dissapointed that there wasnt as much 3-d as it seemed to preview.
devora
July 10, 2010
It really was! I didn't get to catch it in 3D, but it sounds like I'm not missing much. Thanks for commenting! :)
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Krisdor
July 06, 2010
It was a great movie i also was thinking the end credits where Jessie and Buzz were dancing was classic.
devora
July 06, 2010
I loved the end credits, too! It made me laugh after all that crying :P
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FM_ALEX
July 04, 2010
I have been hearing about this making people cry at the end, excellent review.
devora
July 06, 2010
Thanks, Alex! You'll find out yourself that it's a real tear jerker :P
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djevoke
July 02, 2010
Oh, Debbie- how I've missed your reviews! I was wondering about this one and had heard great things from my BFF who saw this as her first 3D. If you cried, I'd be bawling the entire time! Thanks so much for the insight. On a side note- F and I's next adventure is going to be Berkeley- so we'll definitely call you before we head up there for some fun exploration. Miss ya!
devora
July 02, 2010
Thanks, love! You have to see this! And yes, give me a jingle when you're in Berkeley. Its been too long!
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Sean_Rhodes
July 01, 2010
I knew you'd like this one! I cried at the end. It was just so sweet! Awesome write up!
devora
July 01, 2010
Thanks, Sean! Yeah, that was a sweet one :)
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More Toy Story 3 reviews
The original “Toy Story” revolutionized the way CGI-animation was seen in the U.S. in 1995. The film defined the words “computer generated graphics” with its stellar animation and the fact that the film itself appeared to specially highlight this technological advancement in animation. It sure helped that it also had a stellar voice cast and an endearing story. The first movie made “Pixar” what it is today. Given its widespread success, it spawned a sequel in … more
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Toy Story 3 came alive for me, in more ways than one. It is in ways like many animated movies, it takes human’s characters, personalities, fears and hopes, packaged them into a life-like situation, portrayed it in live on the screens and takes the viewers beyond what is real and surreal. Whether the stars are real or not, as in human beings and living things, is not of utmost importance. What is important is that it embodies human universal values. Afterall, this is a production by humans … more
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After watching this film I have to admit that the Toys are my favorite Disney characters ever! In this one, Andy has grown up and is preparing for college. The toys are worried that they will be thrown away as Andy is no longer interested in them. Only Woody is sure that Andy would never do that. In fact Andy packs Woody to take to college with him and sets the other toys aside to put in the attic. Andy's mother accidentally thinks the toys are meant for the garbage and puts … more
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In 1995, Pixar Animation Studios launched their first film. A movie called "Toy Story," that centered on the toys that belonged to a boy named Andy. When the franchise first began in 1995... Andy was just a boy. As was I, for a matter of fact. I was nine years old. I saw Toy Story, loved it and when Toy Story 2 dropped in 1999 I felt that I was not too old for it just yet despite blossoming into a teenager. Luckily, we never had to see Andy in his clunky … more
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Considering the Toy Story trilogy spans 15-years, viewing it back to back can almost be used as a visual guide to the advancements made in the computer-generated feature film industry these past decade and a half. The fact that this is animation pioneers Pixar (coupled to the Disney promotion machine) means that while the pixel popping visuals have improved exponentially in that span, the charm, heart, and timeless story telling elements introduced the first time around never … more
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I went to the San Francisco Film Festival screening at Pixar Studios last night not really knowing what to expect. Toy Story has been with us for 15 years now (20, in terms of actual development) and I had a sinking feeling that maybe all the character potential had been used in the first two and this was some shameless plot by Disney to exploit the franchise ("Little Mermaid 2", anyone?). Well, shame on me for underestimating the capabilities of Pixar, who once again have shown how a … more
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I tried to convince my wife to be the one to take my kids to Toy Story 3. My youngest son, especially, was begging to go, but while I was impressed by the first two, a long ways back, and saw them as showcases for the increasingly sophisticated animation techniques at Pixar, I didn't really love either one of them as much as A Bug's Life or The Incredibles or Wall-E or Ratatouille. Perhaps it's just the devoted toy concept that didn't quite move me. I'm not quite sure why, but … more
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In a single word - perfect. While Toy Story 3 was in production, a friend of mine at Pixar (who was sworn to secrecy) would only describe it as "like visiting old friends". I have to agree with that sentiment. I was worried that Pixar had an uphill battle. After all, they were tasked with producing a worthy sequel to two of the most treasured animated films of all time, and the commercials that appeared on TV didn't do much to alleviate those concerns. However, … more
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review by chupluf.
June 21, 2010
This 3rd installment of the 20-year-old Toy Story franchise is simply the most touching Pixar film to date. It combines the sense of wonder and nostalgia of the previous installments with a fresh plot—a perfect evolution to the story and characters that we already know—and top-notch animation that is equally enjoyable in its 2D or 3D presentation. In this new adventure, the story is as much about Andy, the toys’ owner, and the inevitability of change, as it is about the … more
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About the reviewer
devora (devora)
Ranked #56
Ranked #56
When I'm not Lunching, I'm a jeweler, and an all around, self-proclaimed web geek. My passions include social media, the interweb, technology, writing, yoga, fitness, photography, jewelry, fashion, … more
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About this movie
Toy Story 3 is a 2010 American 3D computer-animated film. It is the third installment in the Toy Story series. The film was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Lee Unkrich, who edited the previous films, and co-directed the second, takes over as director. In his place, Ken Schretzmann is the editor.
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Jeff Pidgeon, Jodi Benson, R. Lee Ermey, John Morris, and Laurie Metcalf all reprised their voice-over roles from the previous films. Jim Varney, who played Slinky Dog in the first two movies, and Joe Ranft, who played Lenny and Wheezy, have both died since the second film was released. The role of Slinky was taken over by Blake Clark, while Ranft's characters and various others were written out of the story.
Toy Story 3 was released in theaters on June 17, 2010 in Singapore; June 18, 2010 in the United States and Canada and June 24, 2010 in Australia. It will be released on July 19, 2010 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Originally the UK release was set as July 23 but has since been pushed forward due to its anticipated high demand in the country. Toy Story 3 broke the record of Shrek the Third as the biggest single day gross for an animated film, but it was unable to top Shrek the Third's opening weekend and, with a $110,307,189 gross, it received the second highest opening weekend for an animated movie. It is also the highest ...
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Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Jeff Pidgeon, Jodi Benson, R. Lee Ermey, John Morris, and Laurie Metcalf all reprised their voice-over roles from the previous films. Jim Varney, who played Slinky Dog in the first two movies, and Joe Ranft, who played Lenny and Wheezy, have both died since the second film was released. The role of Slinky was taken over by Blake Clark, while Ranft's characters and various others were written out of the story.
Toy Story 3 was released in theaters on June 17, 2010 in Singapore; June 18, 2010 in the United States and Canada and June 24, 2010 in Australia. It will be released on July 19, 2010 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Originally the UK release was set as July 23 but has since been pushed forward due to its anticipated high demand in the country. Toy Story 3 broke the record of Shrek the Third as the biggest single day gross for an animated film, but it was unable to top Shrek the Third's opening weekend and, with a $110,307,189 gross, it received the second highest opening weekend for an animated movie. It is also the highest ...
Cast:
Tim Allen,
Joan Cusack,
Tom Hanks,
R. Lee Ermey,
Ned Beatty,
Michael Keaton,
John Ratzenberger,
Wallace Shawn
Director:
Lee Unkrich
Genre:
Animation,
Comedy,
Family
Release Date:
June 18, 2010
MPAA Rating:
G
Runtime:
103 minutes
Studio:
Walt Disney Studios,
Walt Disney Animation,
Pixar Animation Studios
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