Toy Story 3

Considering how successful Pixar's films are, it's somewhat surprising they haven't tried more sequels. The fact that they keep putting out new material (and all of it good) is a testament to the creative powers within the animation studio.

Toy Story is the only exception so far (Cars and Monsters Inc. sequels are supposedly in the works)...their first feature spawned a follow-up in 1999 and now, 15 years after the original, Toy Story 3.

Our favorite toys, led by Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), are back with a new problem...their kid, Andy, isn't a kid anymore. He's preparing to head to college which means it's time to put away toys and move on. After nearly being thrown away, the gang decides that moving on to a daycare center might be the best thing for them. Sunnyside looks to be a toy paradise...where new kids replace any that outgrow the toys and everyone can live out their playtime dreams.

Of course, there's a twist to "paradise" which I won't divulge, but it kicks off a new adventure that tests the toys' ingenuity and speaks once again to the kid in all of us...the test of time on our once cherished playthings, the passing of tradition and the bonds of friendship when reality gets in the way.

The animation is typically top-notch...after watching the first two films last weekend, it's obvious how much the technology, talent and budgets have grown. I didn't see the film in 3D (sorry, but I'm not a fan), but I doubt I lost anything. Everything is still flawlessly rendered and beautiful. The script is equally funny, adult-pleasing clever and poignant.

The ending would strongly imply this is the final Toy Story (and it should be) and as a complete tale it's incredibly satisfying. I'll miss revisiting these characters, but I'm happy that every installment improved on the last and kept me smiling and enthralled. Pixar, you've got a friend a me.

Rating: A