Greetings again from the darkness. Has there ever been a bad Pixar movie? Nope. And as many really good movies they have created, there are now two truly great ones: Toy Story and Toy Story 3. The first one (released 15 years ago) transformed the way animation is made and set the standard for kids’ movies that parents can also enjoy. This third installment takes animated story telling to the next level.
Of course all the great voices are back: Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles, Estelle Harris), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and Sarge (R Lee Ermey). Imagine assembling that cast and then adding two fabulous new characters: Lotsa Huggin’ Bear (Ned Beatty), Ken (Michael Keaton); expanding Jodi Benson’s Barbi to a key role, and re-vamping Slinky-dog with Blake Clark taking over for his deceased friend, the fabulous Jim Varney. This is major star power and an over-abundance of talent!
Then again, we have all seen stellar casts fall flat without a worthy script. Fear not as Pixar legend John Lasseter (Exec Producer here) has passed the reins again to director Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc.). This story is brilliant and engaging. I challenge anyone from age 5 to 95 to avoid being drawn in to the themes of separation, friendship, loyalty, and power.
There are some laugh outloud moments along with the usual wise cracks from Buzz and Potato head. This time we are also treated to some darker moments with Lotsa, a power-hungry stuffed bear, and his band of misfits that include a giant baby doll and Chuckles, the creepiest clown this side of Poltergeist, and especially the frightening/funny monkey working security.
Some Pixar touches include the voice of Andy is provided by the grown up voice actor who did Andy in the first, a couple of glimpses of the evil kid Sid (first Toy Story) who has grown up to be a garbage man (same shirt) and the re-use of Randy Newman’s classic song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”. Too many other “little” moments to mention, but this is pure film genius and should not be missed.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 
I agree 100% with this review. Great animation is nothing without great story telling. This film has that and more. My only addition to this review is the addition of Toy Story 2 to the list of best Pixar. All three make you forget you are watching animated characters . The viewer is emotionally involved in the storie for all 3 films.
Hi Maureen – thanks for reading and commenting!
Great review. Upon a rewatch, I have decided that this is my favorite Pixar movie of all-time. Recently, I had chance to make a list of my favorite Pixar movies and listed “Toy Story 3” as one. As someone that grew up playing with toys that I treasure, this film has always hit me hard. For my list, I chose films that resonated with me on personal levels. Making the list was challenging given the sheer number of animated classics that have been produced by Pixar.
Here’s my personal picks for Pixar’s greatest movies:
Pixar’s Greatest Movies Ranked – The Film Buff (huilahimovie.reviews)
I too am a huge Pixar fan and admire what the studio has done for animated films. Your list is strong and every one of their movies has rabid fans.
Thanks for the feedback. It wasn’t an easy list to create given the sheer number of classics which Pixar has made. Truly an amazing studio.