As has been noted by a Facebook group which now has more than 1.75 million fans, forget those spoilt little brats who’ve no idea who Woody or Buzz even are, us grown-ups have been waiting for Toy Story 3 for 11 years now, get out of the way kiddies!
Not that it should be a case of 'either or' though, as the latest sublime effort by Pixar manages to delicately tug at the heartstrings of those who loved the first two movies, while revealing itself as so delightfully accessibly that those cute little young tykes - uh, sorry if I was a bit harsh on you in that last paragraph... - will be able to enjoy the movie.
The technology has advanced enormously since 1995’s revolutionary Toy Story, and all the main characters - those old favourites - look better than ever, the 3D subtly rendered. The look of the film is as spellbinding as anything you’re likely to see in the cinema this year.
But it wouldn't be Pixar if the focus wasn't on the plot, of course, which is just as finely honed as ever. With the toys’ owner Andy now all grown up and about to move to college, most of his formerly prized possessions are set to be consigned to the attic -bringing with it a sense of loss and of moving on that will be bound to affect anyone who have at one point had to get rid of their favourite childhood belongings. (Which will be pretty much be all of us adults, then...)
However, rather than wallowing in wanton nostalgia, the storyline soon zips along with Woody, Buzz, Hamm, the Potato Heads, Jessie and the gang finding themselves in unfamiliar surroundings – and with some mysterious new faces. The standouts on the new characters front are undoubtedly Ken (voiced by Michael Keaton), who is superbly sent up as a preening, emasculated playboy – just watch for those sparks flying when he sets eyes on Barbie! – and the stuffy Mr Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton), who plays a furrow-browed theatrical luvvie type with insouciant charm.
Strangely enough Toy Story 3 develops into something of a prison breakout movie, after the majority of Andy’s toys find themselves trapped in a nursery - one that’s being ruled with a (furry) iron fist by the deceptively cuddly dastardly villain, Lotso (Ned Beatty). It'd be a shame to reveal too much of the plot, though, as there’s enough twists and turns to make the film pass by in a breeze. There's some memorable set pieces, while the main joys coming from the pin-sharp characterisation, even those toys who have only a few seconds of screen-time shining.
Toy Story 3 seems almost remarkably non-cynical in this current age, unafraid to wear its heart on its sleeve, and it's sincere enough in its intent that you’d have to be a wretch to not shed a tear or two by the time the end credits roll, even at the same time as you have a huge smile on your face (one that'll probably have remained there from start to finish). Though I’m unsure that it quite matches the heights hit by the first two movies – if only because the reliable familiarity removes a teeny bit of the edge – it’s still a massive cut above the competition, and somehow manages to make you yearn to be a kid again just as it brings out the inner child in you. Pixar have excelled yet again, and thankfully it’s a triumph that can be shared by us all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I feel an urge to go rescue some toys from the attic…
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Toy Story 3 comes out in the UK on July 23
