I’ve practically had a life-long love affair with Pixar. Audiences have come to expect amazing things from the iconic movie studio-their newest release, Toy Story 3, is no exception.

For those you didn’t make it to the theater this weekend (I suspect a lot of you did- the movie made $110 million last weekend), Toy Story 3 centers around Andy leaving to college. He decides to bring his favorite toy, Woody (Tom Hanks), to college with him, but he packs up the rest of the toys for the attic.

Due to a serious mix-up by Andy’s mom, the toys suspect they are being trashed. They make a break for it, and sneak into a box of donations headed to Sunnyside Daycare. Woody witnesses the whole thing, and he joins his friends for the trip to the daycare. Even though Sunnyside seems like paradise for toys, Woody feels its best to return to Andy. The rest of the toys, however, feel neglected and choose to stay at the daycare, so Woody leaves them behind. Yes, even his sidekick, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen).

I absolutely loved Toy Story 3. After reading plenty of reviews- including one that labelled the movie “an instant classic”– I certainly went into the theater with expectations. I have no idea how, but after all these years Pixar keeps matching- if not exceeding- moviegoers’ expectations. At times it was absolutely hilarious- Spanish Buzz anyone? The toys are as witty and fresh as ever. At times though, the movie did get very dark. Pixar movies, and Disney in general, tend to have bleak moments throughout, and these were certainly present in Toy Story 3. Still, I would say the overall feel of the film was a whimsical one.

Toy Story 3 was very touching. It didn’t take long for me to get emotional- I started tearing up in the first five minutes. But I wasn’t the only one. There were probably as many adults as kids watching the movie, and most people are emotionally invested in the characters. Like I wrote last week, the  Toy Story movies are wonderful because we can all relate to it. Since this movie is (presumably) the end of the franchise, it serves as a “very poignant reminder that my childhood is over, never to return again” as my friend Damian said.

The special thing about Toy Story, as great and hysterical the plot lines are, is how human the characters are. They were inspired by Americana and now they’re part of our culture. The characters are why we go back to these movies, just like the younger kids now and even future generations. (See, I’m getting sentimental just writing this!) So why it may be end of the Toy Story for us, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and company will continue to live on. And that’s why Toy Story 3 has been the best movie of the year.

~ Sarah

P.S. What do you think? Have you seen Toy Story 3? What were your favorite parts? Are you seeing it again?