Toy Story 3 (2010)

Content by Tony Macklin. Originally published on June 29, 2010 @ tonymacklin.net.

Toy Story 3 is a Mr. Potato Heady assemblage of nostalgia, excitement, and danger. It flies in all directions, but Woody keeps it pleasurably intact.

17-year old Andy is heading for college, and he has to put away childish things. Except for Woody, whom he's taking with him, Andy is sending his other toys to the attic.

But because of a mistake, instead they are sent to Sunnyside Daycare, where they are abandoned and victimized. Woody has to save them. The intrepid toy leader leaps into action.

With Toy Story 3, Pixar Animation Studios still has its flair and passion. Director Lee Unkrich is inventive.

The screenplay by Michael Arndt, et al., is clever -- especially putting Ken and Barbie through preening paces, and Buzz Lightyear through Hispanic shtik. It even takes an occasional shot -- e.g., at Buzz's Academy.

The familiar characters again are admirably served by voices full personality and verve.

Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), and Joan Cusack (Jessie) lead a harmonious cast.

Toy Story 3 perhaps is the most scary popular animated movie yet. A fire in it is as scary as the fire in Bambi.

But mostly Toy Story 3 is enthralling entertainment. It's fire and Lightfoot.