Woody, Buzz and the gang are back for Disney/Pixar's third (and probably final) Toy Story adventure.
The toys are dumped in a daycare centre after their owner, Andy, departs for college. There they meet a bunch of new pals, not including Ken (as in Barbie & Ken). Voiced by Michael Keaton, Ken isn't the simple-minded, fun-loving guy you might imagine but rather a vain narcissist.
This installment is written by Michael Arndt, the scribe of Little Miss Sunshine.
In 1999, the first Toy Story sequel wowed audiences by expanding upon 1995’s original to become something even more thrilling, funny and involving. Eleven years later, the third, and likely final, instalment caps off a remarkably strong trilogy. With great relief, the much-anticipated Toy Story 3 truly is top-shelf family entertainment.
Broad enough to please a wide age-bracket (from current kids to adults who have grown up with the characters), the third adventure nonetheless touches on unsettling themes – mortality, regret and moving forward with life. It makes sense that the film was penned by Michael Arndt, whose Little Miss Sunshine provided a similar balance of mirth and melancholy. There’s a new character, in particular, whose desperate bitterness would feel right at home in a Coen brothers flick.
Taking the guise of a prison-escape scenario, the plot offers plenty of opportunity for miniaturised hijinks, chugging along with momentum until a genuinely surprising climax (not yet revealed in any advertising). This takes the characters into unsettling, armrest-gripping territory that might upset the very young.
A trilogy that has spanned 15 years understandably wraps up in a moving way (bring tissues) but let’s not suggest that this movie is anything but a riot. A highlight is Michael Keaton voicing Ken (the glittered yin to Barbie’s yang) – his every line and gesture is pure gold.
As to where this one places in Pixar’s repertoire, well, it might not be as ambitious as WALL-E or Up but it builds on a strong base and reaches new heights. Clever animation, inventive direction, and canny comic timing means Toy Story 3 is hugely satisfying.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
awsomewst movie ever definatly bye this movie some of it sad though
BETTER THEM THE OTHER TWO
This ranks up there with the previous two classics. I remember going to see the first toy story when I was 9 years old. I bought a woody toy and my mate had a buzz lightyear. So I have kind of grown up with these films. I particularly loved seeing the character's again. I loved the storyline, their were many funny moment's. For example especially with the Ken and barbie doll. I also must admit.. I shed a tear at the end. Maybe because the film reminded me of my childhood, playing with my toys as a kid. Pixar are the be all end of animation films. This film is sure to get a best picture nomination at the Oscars next year
Best movie I've seen this year. I laughed I cried, absolutely fabulous! A must see.
Fantastic movie. Loved it. Very funny and very sad as well.
This is a jolly, slapstick comedy, lacking the almost eerie humanity that infused the earlier “Toy Story” sagas, and happier with action and jokes than with characters and emotions.
This terrific trilogy topper does all the things you want it to, with laughs, danger and action, starting off with a neat introduction of a Wild West adventure taking place in Andy's youthful imagination.
A kids’ movie for grown-ups. A grown-up movie for kids. Exactly what you’d expect — and hope for — from the latest, and we’re guessing final, Woody and Buzz adventure.
Woody, Buzz and playmates make a thoroughly engaging, emotionally satisfying return.
This film becomes the kind of love note to movies we want and need.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 1st Jul 2010.
Release date: July 1st 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
