Something needs to be done with Andy’s charming toys now that Andy is 17 years old and bound for college in the outstanding Toy Story 3 (2010).  Almost all of them are supposed to go in the attic (which is good—it’s still the owner’s house) but they’re somehow transported to Sunnyside Daycare instead (which is bad).  A pink toy bear there has grown malevolent and becomes the enemy of Woody the cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, et al.  He is unfortunately aided by Ken, who falls in love with Barbie, another toy at Andy’s house; she belonged to Andy’s preteen sister, Molly.  The adventure proceeds apace.  Led by Woody, the band of good-guy toys must fight for freedom and survival, thwarting the will of the bear-despot.

Yes, Lee Unkrich’s animated film is funny, but it is not as funny as it is entertaining in its drama.  And moving.  It more or less sheds tears over the harshness of reality.  When the pink bear, a big baby doll, and a toy clown discover they have been unintentionally left behind after a family vacation, they are shown in all their sad vulnerability.  Later, all the toys of Andy find they must resign themselves, for a while, to dying in a terrifying inferno.  Toy Story 3 has no politics, albeit it does have victimization—and a penal colony for toys in Sunnyside Daycare.

Still, this is a powerful comedy, wildly fun.  Risque humor in a family film was never more hilarious.  The funniest joke is when Mr. Potato Head finds he must transfer his parts to a tortilla.  The flick is every bit as good as The Incredibles—nay, better.

Sheriff Woody

Sheriff Woody (Photo credit: Wikipedia)