The toys are back in town: Toy Story 3

At last the third and final part of the Toy Story trilogy has arrived. Be prepared with a box of tissues.

Toy Story came out in 1995, the first Disney/Pixar film to be made. It received an outstanding reception wherever it showed, which led the makers to continue the story for two further films.

There has been considerable gaps between each film, increasing the hype. I saw the second instalment for my parents honeymoon celebration when I was just 11. Now, at double that age I enjoyed it just as much. Unlike many series of films, Toy Story has excelled in each instalment, introducing new characters, carefully constructing new plots and developing the animation. Unlike the recent flop, Sex and the City 2, Toy Story 3 perhaps even betters the earlier films.

Toy Story 3 sees the return of Andy’s toys Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) but also introduces some hilarious new characters. My favourite of these is the preened Ken doll (Michael Keaton) who shares some hilarious moments with Barbie. Lotso, the cuddly bear is this film’s villian, and the scariest yet, providing some darker humour. There are lots of laughs, but the highlight would have to be Buzz’s language problems leading to side-splitting consequences.

Director Lee Unkrich and writer Michael Arndt include all the usual ingredients in Toy Story 3, but with a little extra. This film is designed to move as well as to entertain and it certainly does that. The subject of growing up and changing is present throughout the story. Both Andy and this group of toys must be brave and undergo the biggest transition of their lives. Changes that all of us constantly encounter.

It may have taken 11 years, but Toy Story 3 is well worth the wait.