Toy Story 3

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of the Toy Story franchise - next to Wall-E, the Toy Story movies have to be my favourite Disney-Pixar animations of all time.  This is why it was only natural to feel a little sceptical about a third instalment ten years in the making, because I'm only too familiar with filmmakers exploiting a famous movie franchise with disappointing second-rate sequels. With that said, however, it gives me so much joy to be able to say that Toy Story 3 lives up to all its hype, and that yes - you should watch it!

Set almost ten years after Toy Story 2, in Toy Story 3 we see Andy all grown up at 18 years old and just days away from going to college, leaving the toys - who haven't been played with in years - worried about their now uncertain future. Planning to bring Woody to college while the rest are kept in the attic, a mix-up happens causing the toys to be thrown away accidentally. Landing themselves in a toy collection box to Sunnyside Daycare, the toys end up at the day care centre where they meet a host of new and seemingly friendly toys. They're eager to start their new lives with new friends at first, but it's not long before the toys become determined to return home - a resolution also shared by Andy, who soon comes to realise that his toys will always have a special place in his heart.

In this movie, prepare to be taken once again on a classic Toy Story adventure involving villainous new toys and Woody and gang's elaborate schemes to escape - a theme that would have otherwise been tiresome and overused had it not been for Pixar's genius spin on making things seem new and fresh, with lots of action, humour, plot twists and even dark moments to keep you entertained and glued to your seat throughout. For all the girls out there who were once (or still are) big fans of Barbie, you'll be more than delighted to finally see Barbie meeting her Ken (I know I was!), and he's everything we thought he'd be - a pretty boy bachelor with a penchant for clothes and dress-up (?)!

Aside from the other new additions like the cuddly Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, Big Baby, Mr. Pricklepants and Peas-in-a-Pod adding to the film's zest, Toy Story 3, just like its predecessors, will hook you in with its near-perfect storyline and loveable characters rendered in vigorous imagery, but what you'll also see here is a satisfying, yet highly emotional conclusion to the story. I wouldn't say it beats the first Toy Story, but I truly see no reason why you shouldn't love this film.

Note: watch this in 3D if you must, but I believe you'll be equally satisfied watching the non-3D version, because I don't remember seeing anything particularly spectacular in 3D.

Cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, Jeff Pidgeon, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris Director Lee Unkrich Runtime 103 Minutes Opens 17 June

Text Syarifah Syazana