Being a Kid Again: Toy Story 3

Last night I finished watching Toy Story 3 for the third time. And for the third time, I'm very impressed with Pixar. First, because usually animated sequels are poorly done technically and it's much lower quality than the original. Second, because usually story sequels stink. Anyone could expect them to keep Andy a kid forever and have the toys go on some adventure, but lacking any emotion. But the story was so well-done because it faced the fact that kids grow up and toys aren't played with. It had different emotions and challenges than the others.

And third, because they finished it. What annoys me is when movies (and books) go beyond the point that they ought to. The storyline is there, and once it's finished, it should be done. It might be too early to say, but I hope that Toy Story 3 remains the last in their saga. It ends perfectly and there's no need for more: Andy and the toys' story is complete (Land Before Time could take a page out of Pixar's book).

Another little, selfish thought of mine, though, is that Toy Story 3 wasn't really written for all of the five-year-olds out there. It was written for my generation, the first five-year-olds to see this new, amazing animation. The first ones to buy the Woody dolls and Buzz Lightyear action figures. We're grown up now. I saw Toy Story 3 right after I graduated high school, and I was a few weeks away from moving off to college myself. The passage there, to realize I had to let go of my childhood but still remember everything it left me hit me as I watched Andy drive away. Five-year-olds right now don't get it, although they will in about thirteen years. But still, I think it was a nice tip of Pixar to thank the original kids who got excited for it.