Kristin Reviews Toy Story 3

I did not have high hopes for Toy Story 3, and I was not let down.

Unlike Steve, I absolutely loved Toy Story. Pixar’s foray into the feature film arena was a masterpiece which, frankly, I think only Up has truly challenged in pure writing excellence.

That’s not to say that I have not enjoyed every Pixar feature – behind Toy Story and Up, I’d say Monsters Inc. and Wall-E have been my favorites – but none of their films, aside from these two, have left me in awe.

Toy Story 2 holds the title of ‘least favorite Pixar feature’ for me [Editor Note from the Future: Cars 2 has now replaced Toy Story 2 at the bottom of the list], so when I heard a third installment was in the works, I was disappointed, especially considering that said sequel would be following on the heels of the brilliant, and, dare I say, flawless Up.

I’m sorry to say, much of Toy Story 3 lived up (or down) to my expectations. The characters, so freshly appropriate to their little toy bodies in the first film, seem as if they’re trying too hard this time around.

The new characters are a nice addition, but, again, I felt they fit too easily into their cookie-cutter roles.

And the climax, exciting and suspenseful as it was (and, a little too scary for some small viewers), felt as if it strayed too far outside the original box (so to speak). The adventure had become too adventurous – the ‘close to home’ charm had become . . . Hollywood.

The best moments in Toy Story 3 are the heartfelt ones. The themes about true friendship, love, and loyalty are sprinkled throughout, and they are as touching as they’re meant to be. I think the film would have worked had it focused more on those moments and less on action adventure.

I must admit, the closing scene is truly inspired (and hanky essential). I just wish the rest of the movie had the same heart.

-Kristin
8.5.2010