Toy Story 3

"Toy Story 3"
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickels, Michael Keaton

The magic and allure of Pixar films have never been at a more palpable high. Coming off a best picture nomination with "Up," the studio is widely known to produce the best, most consistent films, that can appeal to every demographic. In quite possibly the worst Summer for popcorn flicks in over 5 years, "Toy Story 3," arrives and manages to produce true escapism, Pixar has saved the day once again.

The last installment of the series was way back in 1999, we last left our characters as they were thrown into the misfortunes of a toy collector and his obsession with Woody. Now, the lifetime owner of the toys, Andy, is grown up and ready for college. As the film opens, Woody and company hatch a last ditch effort to attempt to make themselves not so forgettable in the eyes of Andy. Their best bet and lonely future may reside in the attic, a fitting place for the past remains of a growing boy.

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprise their roles as the voices of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, whom fought for most popular toy supremacy in the first installment. Now, along with the rest of the gang, they're shipped off to Sunny Side Daycare Center, which seems like the afterlife for once popular toys. Upon arrival, it seems like not such a bad place after all, in fact, Andy's toys will  always have a place where they're noticed and played with. Of course, Woody has other plans after their first go around with the kids doesn't go so well.

The genius of the film is that it takes its time to remind us why we loved the first two installments. It doesn't dwell on past jokes, but re-introduces us to the dynamic identities and humor of each of Andy's toys. We all know Woody is heroic, Buzz is a half-witted but lovable goof, Rex is eager, Slink is loyal, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are cynics, Hamm is sarcastic, etc.  The beauty is in the writing and the implementation of new jokes and scenarios for these characters.

Once the toys move to Sunny Side, some new and interesting toys are introduced. The main ones include Lotso, the overstuffed pink bear and patriarch of Sunny Side who has a tortured past. Ken, the lanky dreamboat doll voiced by Michael Keaton, whose character the writers must have had the most pleasure writing, and Big Baby, a large doll who does Lotso's dirty work.  Lotso appears friendly at first glance , but has other plans for the new toys, placing them second in the pecking order of Sunny Side.

The film turns into a prison break thriller, pitting Andy's toys against the tyrant Lotso and his toys. Can Woody get all of his friends home safely before Andy leaves for college? The film is a nicely paced nostalgic journey spanning 15 years and ending on a breathtaking high note. Only Pixar could have done it, the charm and overall success of the film could earn itself a Best Picture nomination in what is already a fairly weak year for film.