If I’m honest, finding myself outside the world’s largest I-max the week before the release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception was initially at least, a little infuriating. Unwilling as I was to pass up the opportunity to check out the gargantuan screen I was forced to choose an alternative movie. Thankfully, amidst the abundant I-max underwater/outerspace/junior-documentary content was Pixar’s latest Toy Story 3. Whilst I am a die hard fan of the prolific animation studio I had failed to engage with Toy Story 2 to the same degree as its ground breaking predecessor but the eleven year gap between instalments offered me a degree of assurance that this was more than just the milking of a cash cow.
Too cool for temporal inconsistencies Toy Story 3 catches up with Woody and Buzz eleven years after their previous adventures. With Andy now seventeen and headed for college the toys are faced with the unenviable prospect of life in the attic. However, a logistical gaff by Andy’s mother sees all the favourites relocated to the Sunnyside Day Care Centre. At the centre our heroes encounter a new posse of seasoned playthings including Ken (Michael Keaton) and Lotso (Ned Beaty). However, it is not long before Bullseye, Jesse, Slinky, Hamm, Rex and the Potato Heads realise that the Eden-esque Sunnyside may not be the paradise they’d all hoped.
Victims of their own success, there’s always a high level of expectation whenever Pixar release a new flick, but with fifteen years since their feature length debut it’s safe to say people expect a little polish here and there. Despite the timeless appearance of the first instalment Toy Story 3 appears even smoother, standing up even under the microscopic scrutiny of an I-max screen. Also, like rival franchise Shrek the film is available to view in 3D and as we’ve seen recently, 3D is not always a guaranteed enhancement. Thankfully, the Pixar team are once again ahead of the technological pack. Their use of the third dimension is sparing and subtle, only really even noticeable during two particular scenes in which it unquestionably enhances both the spectacle and the drama of the proceedings. For the majority of the film the technology takes a back seat to the story, something which a number of film makers should take on board.
As you’d expect, where there are new toys there are new celebrity voices. In addition to Keaton and Beaty there’s Jeff Garlin, Kristen Schaal, Whoopi Goldberg, Bonnie Hunt and scene stealing turn from Timothy Dalton as lederhosen wearing thespian, Mr Prickle pants.
If there were any doubt left in your mind as to whether Toy Story 3 can reach the emotive heights hit by Pixar’s more recent, more ‘adult’ efforts (Wall*e and Up), then fear not. It would appear that over the past fifteen years the C.G. artform has matured along with its audience and as a result Woody, Buzz and co. have lost none of their heart. You may have already been warned that the film may make you cry. If not then let me say this… the film may make you cry. I will go no further than that, partly to avoid spoilers and partly to avoid reopening the flood gates. All I will stress is that this is, yet again a classic movie which is not only suitable for all ages but also perfect for all ages. You’ll watch it if you know what’s good for you.
Toy Story 3 is released on (Monday) July 19th.
