We’re all living in a time of constant upheaval and change. It’s nice to be reminded that at our core, each of us simply long to be loved and belong. Don’t let the animation fool you Toy Story 3 is very much a film that we all need to see, no matter our age.
So this past weekend my dad and I surprised the kids with tickets to go see the final chapter in the Toy Story trilogy — Toy Story 3. Though our patience was tested as we stood in line with the throngs of fans who contributed to the $109M opening weekend debut, it was worth it.
I may have been the last person on the planet to see any of the Toy Story movies, but Disney Channel’s recent marathon offered me a chance to watch with my kids. I’m really glad that I did.
The past few months, I’ve found myself disappointed leaving the movie theater. The industry seems to be going through a growing period. While 3D effects have been around for decades, only recently has the technology reached new heights and the industry found a revenue stream. So it seems every big budget film is presented in 3D, and as a result, filmmakers seem to be experimenting. It shows – we’re offered more effect and less story. Case in point — Avatar. Yes, the film was ground breaking, but honestly the story had potential but the characters were never allowed to develop due to the director’s need to “wow” us with 3D effects. I’m hopeful that in years to come, the industry will stop with their new 3D toy and get back to the craft of filmmaking.
The beauty of a great film like Toy Story is that each of us is touched in different ways. Most often the ways we are affected by the story is based on our own life journey. Toy Story touches on some universal topics: our need to be loved and accepted by others; our want to find a home; and the power of groups/family. These three topics are the undercurrent tying the trilogy together.
As I shared with my wife after the film, I can’t recall an ending so well written. The last 15 minutes of Toy Story 3 embodies what I love most about movies. It’s what I had hoped for when watching the final episodes of Seinfeld, Lost, The Sopranos, etc.
We’re all living in a time of constant upheaval and change. It’s nice to be reminded that at our core, each of us simply long to be loved and belong. Don’t let the animation fool you Toy Story 3 is very much a film that we all need to see, no matter our age.
