Toy Story 3

Critic's Rating: 4.0
Cast: Voice of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cussack, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton
Direction: Lee Unkrich
Genre: Animation
Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes


Movie Review: Absolutely awesome! If Toy Story 1 conjured up a whole new world for kids and set up a new benchmark in animation, then Toy Story 3 is a befitting sequel to the franchise. There is colour, verve, drama, action, comedy, romance and 3D too. Add to this, a few wonderful take-home morals for our young and old viewers, and what more can you want. Yes, Toy Story 3 is that perfect paisa-vasool family entertainer packaged in characteristic Hollywood pizzazz.


Thematically, the third part smartly carries forward the wondrous experiences of Woody (Tom Hanks) and his friends as they try to come to terms with the darker side of life after years of hugging and petting. The toys must learn to cope with the fear of rejection and the insecurity of being unwanted. After the warmth of Andy's room, they find themselves struggling for survival in their inconducive new environs, where on the one hand roguish kids are ready to tear them apart; and on the other, the self appointed, mean dictator of the day care centre is hell bent on making slaves out of them. So you have Woody, leading an action packed revolt against the tyrant bear (Ned Beatty) and his evil cohorts like Ken (Michael Keaton), Big Baby and Monkey. But before he can set his buddies free and flee to safety, he must undo what the bearish Lot-sa has done to his best friend Buzz (Tim Allen). The friendly Space Ranger has suddenly crossed sides and is working against the welfare of his former friends. But hey what's that? A re-boot has Buzz donning the role of Don Juan and giving us some of the most zany moments of the film. Go have your fill...

Mantra-wise too, you will find loads to inspire your kids at the end of all the action and drama. Woody and co. are definitely not pieces of plastic with their pep pills on the value of team spirit, friendship, loyalty and the importance of standing up to bullys, aggressors and exploiters. And that's not all, adults too can take home their favourite one liner: authority comes from the consensus of the governed, not from fear! That's cowgirl Jessie's feisty rebuke to fascistic Lot-sa and the lot-sa real life leaders like him. Enjoy!