Just mention the words, 'Toy Story' and I automatically go 'aw'. I love the franchise and it's one of those rare occasions where all the films are more or less equally good in their own right.
It's hard to believe it's over ten years since we last saw Woody, Buzz and co on the big screen. When we catch up with them again (in glorious 3D), Andy is all grown up and off to college. Forced by his mother to sort through his stuff before he goes, he lets his mum donate his beloved old toys to a pre-school.
At first the toys think this will be good as there'll be so many kids to play with them, however these children make Chucky look like an angel and spend most of their time trying to destroy Buzz and his pals. Then Andy decides to try and get Woody back and take him to college with him but that would mean splitting up the friends. Matters aren't helped by some of the other toys at the pre-school who have dastardly plans of their own.So there's no choice but to plan another escape, and let's face it the toys are old hands at that. However, like their previous attempts, things don't quite go to plan and the toys find themselves dangerously near to becoming garbage.
This is a darker movie than the other two although the characters aren't quite as 'human' as they have been. The 3D works ok but to be honest, we didn't need it before and this film works perfectly well without it so really it's just a gimmick. That's just a small niggle though as otherwise this is every bit as good as the first two films. It will have you on the edge of your seat at times, and I defy anyone not to shed a tear before the end. There's plenty of pathos, laughs and jokes for adults as well as youngsters and it is a truly lovely movie that all the family will enjoy. There are some great new characters too including a sinister and rather camp Ken who immediately and predictably takes a shine to Barbie. It's sad to think this will be the toys last outing but it's a fitting farewell. Goodbye Woody, Buzz and friends, we'll miss you....
