Toy Story 3

When film historians write the history of cinema in the first part of the 21st Century, Pixar Studios will have its own chapter. When they're writing text books about the the art of film animation, Disney will hold a hallowed position as the first great animation studio but they will speak of Pixar as the best. It's amazing. Pixar's consistency, the freshness and verve of their storytelling and animation, their ability to speak to audiences of different generations is unmatched anywhere in the cinematic universe. They are just that good. The only disappointment is that they release just one film a year.
"Toy Story 3" starts with a huge action sequence meant to show those old familiar toys we love (Buzz, Woody, Jesse and the gang) in the prime of their purpose. They are being played with in the fullness of Andy's imagination, in this case a train robbery and subsequent chase. This is a toy's raison d'etre. Unfortunately the reality is that Andy has gotten older and is about to leave for college. The toys haven't really seen this kind of playful action in quite a while. With Andy gone, the central question of the third installment is "Where will the toys end up?". The trash? The attic? Or someplace even more sinister? Change is hard and frightening and loss is never easy. This kind of thematic treatment even in a film meant for adults is difficult to realize. In a story meant for audiences of all ages, it's a high flying act worthy of the Wallendas. The people at Pixar pull off another popular entertainment that respects the heart, the head and even the soul. They really are master storytellers.
Perhaps the only thing wrong with the release of "Toy Story 3" is that we don't get a Pixar original. It is after all a sequel. No rat as a master chef or love lorn robot or balloon powered house. Forget it. If all sequels where as good as this, there wouldn't be a stigma attached to the word. See it. Take the kids. If you don't have any, borrow the neighbor's kids. Or do what I did. See it at midnight without the kiddies but with a theater full of adults who stand and cheer at the end as if they were kids once again.
Oh, and one more thing. If you see it in a theater you'll also get to see the most clever, original and absolutely delightful short film you'll ever lay eyes on called "Day and Night". I won't even describe it here perchance to ruin the impact of your imagination at work. You'll just have to see for yourself.