TOY STORY 3D

DISNEY•PIXAR

RELEASED 2 October 2009

‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’, sang lyricist Randy Newman during one of the few musical numbers in 1996’s ‘Toy Story’, and with the 3D release of Pixar’s first movie, I felt like singing along to the same refrain. ‘Toy Story’ feels like an old friend who is just as funny and charming as you remember them, and makes you wonder why you haven’t visited them more often during the last thirteen years. And now they’ve been converted into stunning 3D too!

There’s a whole generation of kids who’ve never seen ‘Toy Story’ on the big screen, so even if your kids have seen it on DVD, they’re going to love you for taking them to the cinema and putting those funny glasses on. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is Andy’s favourite toy. They do everything together. When Andy’s birthday brings a flashy new toy called Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) into the playroom, Woody is threatened and as the family get ready for moving day, Woody tries to get rid of Buzz. Seeing the error of his ways, the duo join forces to escape from Pizza Planet and Sid, the kid next door who has a penchant for blowing toys up in his backyard!

Very much setting the template for every great computer-animated comedy which has followed, ‘Toy Story’ has cracking jokes, stunning animation, a wonderful range of vocal performances, and that Pixar speciality that no other film studio can quite capture, a big heart and plenty of soul.

Revolutionary for it’s time, ‘Toy Story’ still looks great, and more importantly, still has a brilliant story and characters that remain timeless. Welcome back old friend.

FIVE OUT OF FIVE