Film Review: Toy Story 3

(First published online on June 22, 2010)

“Take very good care of them, because they mean so much to me.” – Andy

All of us came to a point when all we had was our toys and no one else. They stood there just right before us and when we’re playing with them, it’s like we’re creating a separate world exclusively for us.

However, change is an inevitable thing. Life continuously goes on and sometimes, we can’t do anything but to move on. As we grow, we tend to ride on the various changes that we are experiencing. Time will come when these toys that we’re playing will soon be forgotten. But fact of the matter is that these material things will forever be there for us unless we throw or let them go. 

This is the gist being imparted by the series of Toy Story though its third installment centered on the general theme of “moving on with life’s phases but still holding on with our friends.”

Story evolved as Andy’s toys were mistakenly donated to a daycare center since Andy was moving on to college. At the daycare center, the gang of Andy’s living toys faced some of the bitter toys which were left by their previous owners. They tried to make Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex, Mr. & Ms. Potato Head, Hamm and others suffer over the untamed kids in the center. As the gang realized that Andy was looking for them, they decided to plan an escape but the daycare toys led by a teddy bear named Lots-O’ tried to stop them.

Through the help of Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), they managed to get back to Andy just in the nick of time. Since their best playmate had to move on to college, Andy decided that it’s better that he gave his toys to a younger kid that would serve as their new playmate. Even though it’s hard, Andy believed that what he did was the right thing.

I would like to commend all the people behind the production of the series of Toy Story for once again successfully stitching the film. The perfect combination of laughter and sentimental parts made it suitable not only for the kids but also for the young at hearts. Every scene in the film is exciting and you will see no dull moments starting from the very beginning up to its end credits. The technicalities including its lightings, music and dubbing was also great. Additional points for making it 3D which adds up to its enjoyable factors. Some parts of the film will also melt your emotions which will make you realize how wonderful it is when you have someone or something to share your life with, like your toys which can be your most loyal friend.

It has been seven years ago when the second film captured the attention of the public and this time, they did it again. This year’s installment was directed by Lee Unkrich and was produced by Pixar Animation.

Actually, I was deeply moved by the film. I watched it alone at SM Manila last Friday and I couldn’t help but associate to life the different points being raised in the film. Among them were:

1. “In life, nothing is constant and you will have to accept the fact that time will come when you also need to move on.” Andy loves his toys so much but he realized that he needs to go on with the new phase in his life so even if it’s hard, he still decided to donate them to a young kid… Just like Andy, I’ve just graduated last March and I’m still in the period of leveling my grounds as to what I have and what I can give. Like what they say, when you’ve experienced the happiest moments in your life, it is hard to get back to your old, simple and solitary life. Nobody says that it would be easy but you need to move on. The things that made you happy can also be the same things that will make your tear fall especially when you started reminiscing. Then again, nothing is constant and as you move on, you are opening doors to other opportunities. You can always bear in your mind that the things you love leave a special mark which can only be seen inside your heart.

2. “You will face the toughest challenge but you must never give up.” There is a saying that things you easily found can easily be lost so try to pour out some effort in order to be successful. Life is full of challenges but as you concentrate on your goal, you can be rest assured that you will never be lost. In the film, Andy’s toys stick to their goal of returning to their best playmate no matter it what takes. Even if they had this notion that Andy would leave them, still, they tried their best to be there for him. In their journey back to their home, they were blocked by hardships along the way… Just like these toys’ journey, the trials that we face everyday are manifestations that we are living and we are striving for the best. The best path is not like a walk in the park. So if you’re having some difficulties, just think that you’re heading for what is the best.

3. “Your true friends will always be there for you especially in times when you need them most.” Woody escaped in the Sunnyside Daycare Canter but since he knew that his friends were in grave danger, he didn’t hesitate. He went straight back to the Center and helped his friends escaped… You will never be alone once you have established connections. These people who you call friends will be your guard or knight in shining armor and in return, you will to nourish the special bond that they’re relating to you. If you are troubled or in difficulty, there will be somebody who will act like Woody and make you feel safe. So never worry for your true friends will act to save your day.

Once again, it’s justifiable to say that this third installment of Toy Story can be included in my list of films that I will never be satiated watching, again and again.