Toy Story 3

movie reviews from a
spiritual perspective

Toy Story 3

Carol Wong

July 14, 2010

The third and (final!) segment of the Toy Story series is here and it is very much worth viewing by children and parents alike! Not only are we treated to a further development of the characters but also to a wonderful story about being faithful to one's master.

Toy Story and all its sequels have chronicled the life of Andy and the little group of toys we have come to know and love. Andy has had a variety of toys including Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, T. Rex and Hamm, but his most favorite toy of all is Woody, the cowboy. Tom Hanks and the rest of the cast lend such warmth and vocal expression to their characters that these toys have become more than characters, they have become our friends too.

So now that Andy is ready to go to college, we too sense the alarm and urgency within each of the toys as they try and show support, yet know that their fate lies in the attic or the garbage bin.

It turns out Andy does not want to throw away the toys, but in trying to clean up his room, the bag of toys is accidently put out with the trash instead of the attic where it was originally set to go. Of course the toys inside the bag do not understand this at all, they think Andy no longer wants them. Only Woody sees what happens and as usual and he is the only one who believes Andy wants what is best for them. He continues to try and get his point across through the whole movie. That is, the toys are supposed to be there for Andy and stick with him, no matter what.

This movie really added so much to my understanding and appreciation for this particular set of characters. The writers not only worked diligently on creating a wonderful storyline but also developed the characters even further. The characters are not just little wooden toys. These toys have a life and each one has a unique personality and character. In the same way, Toy Story 3 is not just a "cartoon" but a full-length animated feature that has a message while at the same time carrying us through some difficult situations with sensitivity and humor. The reason I liked this movie is because it had a "heart" and the movie was made by people who also have a heart for children and have not forgotten what it's like to be a kid.

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