Toy Story 3. Voices: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, John Morris, Ned Beatty, Joan Cusack.

Directed by Lee Unkrich

Reviewer: Mary Draughon

FILM SYNOPSIS: Once again cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks), spaceman Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and friends emerge from their toy box and burst onto the screen in this delightful fantasy-adventure Pixar animated film. The toys’ owner, Andy (John Morris), is heading off to college and his mother insists the toys either go to the attic or the dumpster. By mistake Andy’s beloved childhood companions end up in the dumpster. But that’s just the beginning of a hilarious escape/rescue roller-coaster string of events. The first rescue takes them to the Sunshine Day Care Center, where they are greeted by Lotso (Ned Beatty), a giant fatherly teddy bear – or is he? The newcomers are tormented by toddlers who tear, mangle and almost destroy the new toys. The seeming idyllic day care becomes a prison. How will these displaced friends overcome the dangers they face? Can Woody lead them to freedom? Will they remain loyal to Woody?

Pixar Animation in 3D gives the toys almost human qualities. The clever action scenes, humorous dialogue and lively musical score make Toy Story 3 a perfect escape from the hot summer weather. It will clearly be one of 2010's biggest box office hits.

REVIEW: Toy Story 3 is as much fun for the grownups as it is the kids. In fact, some of it is so clever it will go over the youngsters’ heads. But that’s ok because the action is what they will focus on anyhow. There’s even a bit of romance. Barbie (Jodi Benson), who has joined Woody’s group, and handsome Ken (Michael Keaton) meet at the day care center where it’s love at first sight.

But be forewarned of some fairly dark scenes and the toys do endure some pretty heavy abuse by Lotso and his henchmen. There are also some very touching moments when the toys feel they have been abandoned by Andy. Loyal Woody wants them to return to Andy’s attic and wait for him to return from college. Lotso’s prison or Andy’s attic? Neither sounds very appealing. You’ll just have to see for yourself how it all turns out.

Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

G (action scenes, toys are mangled by toddlers, cruel treatment and some threats; Messages about trust, loyalty and friendship). Running time: 103 minutes Intended Audience: Families

DEFINITIONS

Profanity – God’s name followed by a curse or the abusive use of Christ’s name

Obscenity – a swear word, indecent language

Expletive – minor curse words such damn or hell