If, like myself, you've been counting down the days for the last few months in anticipation of the final instalment of kids' classic 'Toy Story' (well it has been 11 years since the last one), then believe me you won't be disappointed, as Woody (Hanks) and the rest of the plastic pack come back out of the toy box to bid us a final and emotional farewell.
The future of the toys is uncertain this time around, as Andy (Morris) is heading off to college. With the prospect of ending up in the bin (surely not!) or in the attic, the toys have to face up to the reality that their beloved owner is growing up. However, when they are mistakenly donated to Sunnyside Daycare Center the 'age appropriate' toys find themselves in toddler hell. Under the strict regimen of a not-so-cuddly bear (Beatty) named 'Lotso' (as in 'Lotso Huggin') and a giant-sized baby doll, our favourite playthings are forced to find a way to escape and return to Andy before he leaves forever.
Pixar, (who brought us the equally popular 'Finding Nemo' and Oscar winner 'Up') strike it lucky yet again with this animation of epic proportions, leaving you slightly guilty and a little suspicious of those old toys you have stashed up in the attic. We've built relatable and loyal relationships with these famous characters, and the fact that they have the ability to make us laugh, cry and gasp all in one breath is a testament to their creators. It's like being reunited with old friends you haven't seen for years and then made to say goodbye straight away - bittersweet.
The mesmerising movie also introduces us to some new and hilarious additions to the toy box. The relationship that develops when a squeaky Barbie (Benson) and a flamboyant Ken (Keaton) meet (plastic face to plastic face) works extremely well as a side story. The extravagant prickly hedgehog, aptly named Mr Pricklepants (Dalton), is adamant that all toys are actors ready to go on stage when an owner may appear. The heartwarming music also makes a delightful return, tying all three films together (sadly Jessie fails to reprise 'When She Loved Me').
Although other favourites such as 'Shrek' and 'A Shark's Tale' manage to raise a few chuckles from the parents, 'Toy Story 3' is a poignant classic in animation history that is thoroughly enjoyable for kids and adults alike. While adults are transported back to their childhood, kids' imaginations are free to roam to infinity and beyond.
It's the prefect ending to an inspirational and explosive 'threequel', leaving you safe with the knowledge that these toys are unbreakable. Every pixel that appears on screen is a magical achievement- and for that, we salute you, Pixar.
Sarah Carty
Listen to the 'Framerate' review of 'Toy Story 3' from RTÉ Choice.
