Toy Story 3 (U)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Nead Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton.

Apparently, the third instalment of the Toy Story saga is a film for children, but I beg to differ; with its child-friendly plot and adult humour, it was a film for the whole family to look forward to from the start. Usually, films released over a decade after their prequels turn out to be pathetic attempts at rekindling the unbeatable classics, but not this one; Toy Story 3 really did the other two films justice and, despite the lengthy gap, retained the old style we all know and love.

After years of being shelved, collecting dust and being lost under the bed, only a few of our favourite Toy Story characters remain, inside Andy’s old toy box. But it’ll soon be time for their beloved owner to go off to college and the toys will soon discover their fate. Clearly Andy sees little sentiment in the majority of his toys, choosing only Woody to accompany him and putting all the rest in the attic. But in true Toy Story style, the bag of toys soon ends up outside, ready for the rubbish truck instead and the brave sheriff hitches a plan to save his friends. However, they’ve already formulated a plan of their own out of the bag and into the donation box set for Sunnyside nursery.

Welcomed warmly at the nursery, the toys prepare to be played with like they’ve never been played with before. But it soon turns out that Lots-o-Huggin’, the head toy at the nursery, is not as cuddly as they had originally perceived. Bashed, bruised and dipped in paint by toddlers, the toys soon regret ever leaving Andy and must find a way home. But Lots-o and his gang won’t let them out that easily, turning Buzz against his friends locking the others up, thwarting their escape. But it’s not Toy Story without a well planned escape, even if it means turning Mr Potato Head into Mr Tortilla Head, and it’s not long before Woody and friends are out of the nursery for good. But there will be more obstacles before the toys are reunited with Andy…

I’m always a little wary when it comes to sequels; I often worry that they’re just a way of making more money out of a successful film. Also, since Lilo and Stitch, there have been very few outstanding Pixar films (with the exception of Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo, of course). But I trusted the great writers at Pixar wouldn’t leave us with a disappointing end to their epic saga, so I looked forward to seeing the new film with optimism. Despite my original preservations, I soon became very excited to see another chapter of the films I grew up with. The nostalgia certainly made the film all the more wonderful, although I’m sure it could be enjoyed by any six year old, even though they hadn’t been there for the release of the first two.

I can’t say 3D viewing made the film any better to watch; it was simply a pleasant addition to the cinema experience. I’m fairly confident that when I come to buy it on DVD, I’ll enjoy it as much as I did the first time. I wouldn’t dare give away the ending, but I’d be surprised if it didn’t leave you with a lump in your throat on more than one occasion. Original Pixar is back and it’s a must see for not just the kids, but the adults too.