I took the time out last week to watch the first two entries in Pixar/Disney’s beloved ‘Toy Story’ franchise preparing myself for the third, and proposed, final entry of the series. Going into ‘Toy Story 3’ expectations were high, having read a few initial reviews and hearing of the great buzz around a few early screenings. Let me digress a bit by saying that I have enjoyed every single Pixar/Disney collaboration thus far, and each and every film has been a four star or better (on a five star scale) for me. I am going to rank the Pixar films in a separate post later this week, and there hasn’t been a single bad film in the group. Having said that, if I had to pick one film that impressed me the most, it would have to be ‘Toy Story 1’. The film set the bar high for any future Pixar release, and while each and every film has been very good to great, the original ‘Toy Story’ remained, in my opinion, the highlight of the Pixar universe…until now.

‘Toy Story 3’ is that rare film that appeals to everyone, young and old. The same can be said for its predecessors, but there is something extra here that elevates emotions to the next level. In the first act of this series, we were introduced to the main ‘toys’ and we got a chance to see the bond between Andy, their owner, and the toys themselves. The second act brought us more of the adventure aspect of the toys, and how they interacted with each other. Well, the third act gives us everything that the first two films had and much more. Not only does the film begin with an incredible action sequence, which is shown through the eyes of the toys, it manages to maintain this level of excitement through the entire film. The opening sequence reminds us of why these toys were probably wanted in the first place, as it shows what each and every one of them was made to do, or just how incredible a childs imagination can be.

After the rousing opening, you might be thinking how can this get any better? Well, not only does it get better…it steadily improves. The writers of this film need to be commended on just how well they keep the audience wanting more, and wanting to see just what happens to our heroes next. The pace is well thought out, and the emotional roller coastal the film takes you on is something that is rarely seen in any film these days. You smile and laugh at the opening…you feel bad for the toys once Andy decides that he no longer has any use for them (well, except one of them!)…you’re upset when a mistake is made by Andy’s mother…elated when the toys basically determine their own destiny…happy for them once they get there…worried about them once they realize what their new home is really all about…and so on. There are many ups and downs here, but all of them are key to what makes this series as cherished as it is.

Seeing all of the old favorites back in action was a treat, but what really amazes is just how well the new toys (well, new to the story, but not ‘new’, if you know what I mean) are integrated into the world we already know and love. It truly is a great script, and this is why the film seemlessly works to have all of the toys co-exist. The highlight, and low-lights of every toy is brought forward, and we actually get to see some interesting back story to the films nemesis. And what a nemesis he is…although, I could see it coming, those that were with me didn’t and it’s a nice little twist that just adds even more creativity to the world these toys have created for themselves.

The world the toys live in is not unlike ours. This is the central focal point of ‘Toy Story 3’. The emotions we feel as human beings are shown through the toys eyes. What they feel…we feel, and vice versa. Just as the opening sequence is impressive, the final action sequence is probably the single best animated action sequence I’ve ever seen, and you will be on the edge of your seat. Sounds silly, right? Edge of your seat for an animated film about toys? Well, you will and once you see the sequence you will understand what I mean. It’s a true test of loyalty, teamwork, and friendship…once again, all attributes that we, as human beings, rely on to make it through our daily lives.

The final 15 minutes of ‘Toy Story 3’ is the most emotional of any animated film thus far. Why? Up until this point, we realize that the toys need something to continue on…is it Andy? or is it something more? Also, you feel for Andy, as he has to make a decision in the final moments that is difficult for him, but it is a decision that he has to make to continue on as well. There very well may not be a greater bookend to a franchise than there is here, and even though I’m sure we will see these characters again in short films, as far as full length features go, ‘Toy Story 3’ is about as close as we can get to cinema perfection…and needless to say, it is the best film of 2010 so far.

*Note: I did see the film in 3D, and while it was very impressive, the review is based on the film alone. The 3D is not really necessary to the enjoyment of this movie.

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Hot off the success of ‘Shrek Forever After’, Dreamworks is readying the spinoff, ‘Puss In Boots’. The “Shrek” spin-off “tells the hilarious and courageous (daring, bold, brave) tale of Puss’s (Antonio Banderas) early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and the street-savvy Kitty (Salma Hayek) (above with Puss) to steal the famed goose that lays the Golden Eggs”. The film is to be released November 4, 2011.

Weekend box office…’Toy Story 3′ brought in an estimated $109 million, making it Pixar’s highest debut thus far. The film should continue to do really well over the next few weeks, and probably will continue to bring it in quite heavily until the release of ‘Despicable Me’ on July 9. Coming in second in it’s second week was ‘The Karate Kid’, which made an additional $29 million. ‘The A-Team’ was third with $13.7 million, and rounding out the top 5 was ‘Get Him to the Greek’ and ‘Shrek Forever After’. The weekend’s other new release, ‘Jonah Hex’, tanked as expected, and only grossed a paltry $5.1 million, for an 8th place finish.