Rated G
Directed by Lee Unkrich (Monsters Inc. and Toy Story 2)
Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack
After 15 years, the Toy Story magic is as strong as ever.
Woody, Buzz and the whole gang are back. As their owner Andy prepares to depart for college, his loyal toys find themselves in daycare where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. So, it's all for one and one for all as they join Barbie's counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear to plan their great escape.
As someone who loves movies, there isn’t anything better than being able to enjoy one with my entire family. We got our tickets, our 3D glasses (FYI: there is really no need to see this one in 3D) and our snacks. We settled in for the show and from the opening scene to the final credits, I thoroughly enjoyed Toy Story 3.
The entire A-list voiced cast that made the first two films so great is all back, with the addition of a few new characters and a new villain that rivals Sid – the psycho kid from the original Toy Story.
As expected the animation is flawless and the story is even better than I anticipated. When I think of the first two films, I think of great lines (“This isn't flying. This is falling with style!” and “YOU-ARE–A TOY!”) and hilarious scenes (“I’ll pack your angry eyes”). But Toy Story 3 is more emotionally driven. With Andy going off to college we see the difficult transition from child to grown up through the eyes of his toys. As I watched it, I was saddened by the loss of my own childhood and realizing that my kids were growing up way too fast. I looked over at them and thought about how quickly they will be a young man and a young woman out on their own.
I expected phenomenal animation and an amazing story with plenty of laughs. I didn’t expect to be on the verge of tears. Definitely don’t miss this chance to see it with your family, it is Worth Buying.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Absolutely!
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: Woody and Buzz have had some wild adventures, and no matter what happens, they continue to work together to save the day.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: We should be challenged by the loyalty between Woody and Buzz. They look out for each other, take care of each other and often times rescue each other. Ecclesiastes 4:12 talks about the important of having people like this in our lives. It says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: We need to surround ourselves with people who love and care for us. Who will be there to pick us up when we fall down. And we need to be that kind of friend for others.
