Toy Story 3 is arguably the best of the Toy Story series and proves a fitting end to the trilogy.  Andy, the boy at the centre of the first two films is now all grown up and taking his first steps into adulthood.  As he prepares to leave for college he has to decide what to do with his beloved toys.  He is torn between donating them to a local daycare, storing them in the attic or perhaps even throwing them away.  While Andy struggles with the emotions and difficulties of leaving childhood behind, his toys are faced with a dilemma of their own: stay true to the boy who once loved them so much or move on and try to find new playmates. The animated characters we love and know so well are played by our many beloved voices including Tom Hanks , Woody; Tim Allen, Buzz Lightyear;  Joan Cusack, Jessie; Ned Beatty, Lotso; Don Rickles, Mr. Potato Head;  Michael Keaton, Ken; Jodi Benson, Barbie; Estelle Harris, Mrs. Potato Head and many others.

When Toy Story debuted in the fall of 1995 it was a trailblazer of cinematic animation.  It was a freshman effort from fledgling production house Pixar and the first film to be made completely with CGI technology. Toy Story ushered in a new renaissance in animated feature films.  Since then Pixar has become an animation giant, producing classics, including Finding Nemo, Wall-E and Up. Pixar rivalled Disney itself for animation domination before merging with the Mouse House in 2006.  The Toy Story franchise has become a cultural landmark, its characters now well recognized heroes for children and pop culture icons for adults.

Toy Story 3 is as emotionally rich as it is visually stunning.  The crisp, bright animation is awe inspiring and viewers may find themselves mesmerized by the lifelike quality of a teddy bear’s fur or the dazzling brilliance of a pile of burning embers.  But the real wonder of Toy Story 3 is its heart.  More touching and emotionally evocative than any live action film could hope to be, Toy Story 3 is a bittersweet parable of growing up, letting go and the true meaning of friendship.  It will make you laugh, cry and think fondly about that special childhood toy you couldn’t bear to put down.  A feast for the eyes as well as the heart, it is a joy for young and old alike and in true Pixar tradition stands as one of the finest films of the year.

Reviewed by: Galadriel Laffan