‘Toy Story 3’
Director: Lee Unkrich
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Rating: G
Grade: ?????
A number after a film’s title is usually cause for worry. The best sequels, in fact, tend to eschew the numbers altogether (like “The Dark Knight” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” for example). But with the “Toy Story” franchise, that concern is far from warranted. Once again, the folks at Pixar have returned to the characters of their first movie, now 15 years past, and come up with an inspired and entertaining film that expertly straddles the line between kids’ and adults’ entertainment.
The latest — and apparently final — installment finds Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the toys fretting over their owner Andy’s impending departure to college. After becoming convinced they’re headed for the trash heap, the toys mount an escape that lands them in the apparent Shangri-La of a day care center, where the toy world is overseen by a deceivingly cuddly old teddy bear (Ned Beatty).
Kids will certainly enjoy the movie, but don’t be surprised if adults need tissues.
