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You’ve got a friend in Toy Story 3

By Chase Koeneke

Published July 7, 2010

Pixar has a system: make a movie, cash in on the marketing opportunities and move onto the next ragtag group of child-friendly protagonists for the following movie. It’s proved quite profitable and quite consistent.

Now Pixar is going back to that well one more time for a third Toy Story movie. And unlike other third installments (I am looking squarely in your direction Jurassic Park 3. Not even William H. Macy could save your sorry hide), this one is certainly worth your while.

Let’s start with this whole 3D business. Personally, I find the whole idea of three-dimensional entertainment to be a complete waste of time. I still believe Avatar is the biggest case of wool being pulled over everyone’s collective eyes in the history of, well, ever, but Toy Story’s glasses-induced depth is different. It’s subtle, it’s pleasing and it’s totally not worth the extra three dollars. It doesn’t make it any better, just more expensive. If you can, I’d suggest finding a 2D option.

Whichever dimension you decide to go with, make sure you bring the tissues. Those girls on your Twitter feed aren’t kidding: heartstrings will be tugged. And although there are plenty of joyous parts –- I found Rex’s struggle with the Internet and the whole Ken and Barbie dynamic to be particularly entertaining -- Toy Story 3’s bittersweet ending is sure to leave you with a weird feeling as you exit the theater.

That bittersweetness is part of the more mature perspective Toy Story 3 is taking. Sure, Pixar movies have always been able to transcend the title of “kid’s movie” by offering little touches for those of us old enough to own driver’s licenses, but with Andy going off to college and the question of what to do with the stuff you don’t take with you, it appears to be aimed specifically at our generation.

But, in an interesting twist of fate, Pixar has managed to transcend downward in age, if that’s even a thing. Though the story and themes are geared more to the older set, the bright, rich colors, the slapstick and the source material keep this well within range for any kid out there.

You probably didn’t need me to tell you Toy Story 3 was good. You’ve probably already seen it anyway and are just checking to see if I agree with your take on it. It’s no doubt going to be a box office smash. But one has to wonder what Pixar will do next. The resolution of Toy Story 3 makes a fourth unlikely, but it’s a toss up whether they’ll call upon another one of their golden egg-laying geese or if they’ll start again from scratch.

P.S. I didn’t cry. I just had something in my eye. Seriously. I’m not kidding.