Jay W
"Toy Story" hits the center of a very powerful Venn diagram. The one is how it is a revolutionary film. It is a technical marvel, the first fully CGI animated feature. Since that day, the whole landscape of animation and family movie blockbusters.
The other aspect is its nostalgic connection. I saw this movie back in 1995 when I was 5 and Andy was a child. For "Toy Story 3" when I was going off to college in 2010, Andy was likewise heading out for college. For that reason, this movie has a clear relatability for this particular critic that grew up with the main character. The same way Andy has to move on and leave his childhood toys behind, I had to do the same with these characters.
And finally, beyond everything this film is just a good entertaining film. Despite any box office and critical acclaim, this movie is just really good. The movie has its deeper themes and big lessons to teach. It got nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but at the end of the day, that wouldn't matter if the movie itself was not fun.
The main thing of the movie is kind of a prison break flick but with the toys. It is a fun ensemble cast of both heroes and villains.
This movie hits all the right beats. The animation, voice acting, and music is all peak Pixar performance. This film has a good share of jokes, and it is quite funny. But what people remember this movie, and most Pixar pictures for, is for the tear-jerking moments. And this film absolutely delivers on that. This film hits the audience hard with the feels as the story concludes. This was absolutely the perfect way to end a legendary trilogy. And I repeat, this was the perfect way to END THE TRILOGY.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/21/24
Full Review
SkyRo P
I've decided to embark on an extensive review of all four films in the beloved Toy Story franchise, brought to life by Disney and Pixar.
Let’s kick things off with the original Toy Story. This film is nothing short of extraordinary; it stands as a true masterpiece in the realm of animation, boasting exceptional writing and character development. Its credibility is beyond question.
Andy is the quintessential character whose toys spring to life, and although he has minimal screen time, his presence is deeply felt. His name scrawled on the soles of his toys serves as a powerful reminder of his affection for them.
The dynamic between Woody and Buzz Lightyear drives the narrative. Instead of a conventional villain, we witness a rivalry between an old-school toy and a shiny new one. Woody, the classic pull-string cowboy, finds himself overshadowed by Buzz’s high-tech features and ability to "fly." The filmmakers cleverly crafted Buzz’s journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with the realization that he’s just a toy, adding depth and complexity to the story.
This cinematic gem has rightfully earned its accolades, including an Oscar, and has become a cultural phenomenon. It resurrected familiar faces like Mr. Potato Head, RC Car, and Slinky Dog, bringing them vibrantly to life in the Toy Story universe.
Supporting characters like Rex, Bo Peep and her sheep, the aliens, and even Zurg, who plays an important role in Buzz's story, add layers to this remarkable film. Sid, the mischievous neighbor who disassembles toys, further enhances the narrative, making Toy Story an unforgettable experience.
Moving on to Toy Story 2, this sequel brilliantly builds on its predecessor, expanding the stories of beloved characters while introducing new ones. Buzz and Woody’s partnership shines, and this time they face a true antagonist.
Jessie and Bullseye are fantastic additions, enriching the Toy Story universe. The film cleverly subverts expectations by presenting Jessie as a strong cowgirl alongside Buzz, deepening the narrative. Barbie and Ken also take on more substantial roles, alongside the army men and the villain Stinky Pete, whose desire for reunion brings both tension and heart to the story. The overall plot is masterfully crafted, captivating audiences with its ingenuity.
Before diving into the third installment, I’d like to highlight the delightful shorts and special features that emerged from the Toy Story franchise. These mini-adventures, though brief, contribute significantly to the overall character development and richness of the narrative.
Miss Potato Head also adds a comedic flair to the mix, showcasing her love for Mr. Potato Head and their amusing relationship.
Now, onto Toy Story 3, featuring Lotso, a villainous teddy bear with a strawberry scent. His presence creates one of the most heart-pounding climaxes in animated film history, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
With Andy heading off to college, we meet Bonnie, who takes over as the new owner of the toys, allowing their journey to continue. New characters like Trixie, Dolly, and the lovable Wheezy add to the franchise’s charm, and each installment has consistently grossed over a billion dollars, demonstrating the creativity and enduring appeal of the series.
Finally, we arrive at Toy Story 4, which introduces new characters like Gabby and Forky, a quirky creation made from popsicle sticks. This film follows Woody and Bo Peep, who has undergone a stunning transformation into a more adventurous character.
While the story itself feels somewhat lacking compared to its predecessors, Gabby’s character arc as an antihero seeking love gives a fresh twist. However, this shift in villain dynamics leaves some fans longing for the clear-cut good versus evil tension established in earlier films.
Nevertheless, Toy Story 4 introduces exciting new elements to the franchise, and with news of Toy Story 5 on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more adventures.
Ultimately, the entire Toy Story franchise remains a brilliant, imaginative, and groundbreaking series. Despite some ups and downs, it has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe, proving its lasting legacy in cinematic history.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
10/30/24
Full Review
Dean E
Beautiful ending to the trilogy.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
10/21/24
Full Review
Audience Member
Toy Story 3 is the best entry in the franchise thanks to its touching moments and great characters. I wish this was the last movie in the Toy Story series
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/14/24
Full Review
TROY S
This film was a carelessly thoughtful stoke of genius! It keeps both children and adults entertained. Lots of drama, lots suspense, and lots of toys!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/13/24
Full Review
Nick R
Absolutely emotional, and even dark at times, 'Toy Story 3' is almost guaranteed to make you laugh and cry in sequel that still stands as tall as the first 2 films. All of this brings the story to such a perfect and satisfying conclusion to the franchise. Which begs the question; why did 'Toy Story 4' have to ruin that ending when we didn't need it?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/02/24
Full Review
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