Signal Watch Watches: Toy Story 3

Likely you've already seen Pixar's latest in Toy Story 3, or you've read about it somewhere already, so there's really no need for me run down the plot, or, likely, to tell you that Pixar knocked it out of the park.

Once again, kids will enjoy the funny characters of a Pixar film and adults will revel in some of the strongest storytelling the studios have to offer.

I'm a fan of Buzz and Woody, too. And after three movies, I think we can expect that Toy Story will carve out its own little niche of the pop landscape for a couple of generations, unlike the pop-culture junk food Disney has turned to since their 90's-era renaissance, between forgettable features (and blaming CG for taking them down? Bad show, Disney.) and utterly disposable direct-to-video sequels to stories that needed no follow-up, resulting in Disney going from the premier creator of all-ages entertainment to a sausage factory of mediocre, ultimately forgettable cookie-cutter movies.

What's curious is how Toy Story 3 truly turns the movies into a sort of saga, expanding upon the premise without diluting what made the prior movies work, and without straying from the core of the characters. As a final chapter in the series, it works very, very well. And it will be a shame if anyone tries to exploit the characters and their story beyond this very neat finishing point.

As an aside: You know who I really like?

Jessie the Cowgirl. I have no idea why, but I think Jessie is pretty rad.


that cowgirl cracks me up

Anyhow, we're definitely recommending this one for all audiences, although I'd think hard before taking really small kids. And if you get a chance, try to see it in 3D. There's not a lot of extra 3D stuff, but it works amazingly well in the opening animation, too.


There's a snake in my boot!