The last time we saw Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys in Toy Story 2, Woody (Tom Hanks) was about to be shipped off to Japan to be displayed in a toy museum along with Jesse, the Yodeling Cow Girl (Joan Cusack) and Bullseye, and Stinky Pete. But Woody is rescued by Buzz (Tim Allen) and friends like Hamm (Pixar stalwart John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky (the late Jim Varney but now voice by Blake Clarke in Toy Story 3) and Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). Woody was willing to be displayed and ogled by children instead of being played by owner Andy (John Morris, the voice actor who has played Andy since the very first film) in fear that Andy will grow up and will forget about his toys. Of course, Woody is convinced to go back home and just enjoy the ride while it lasts and brings along Jesse and Bullseye to be played again.

Well, in Toy Story 3, Andy has grown up and is getting ready to go to college. His toys are now forgotten and locked away in his toy chest. As he prepares to leave for college, he decides to take Woody with him but puts the rest of the toys in the attic but a mistake occurs and they end up at the curb ready to be thrown out. Woody rescues them and they all end up in a box to be donated to a daycare center. Many of the toys welcome this new beginning as it is a chance to be played again by children. When they arrive, they are welcomed by the toys at Sunnyside, especially Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear or Lots (Ned Beatty) and given a tour by Ken Doll (Michael Keaton) who takes a shine to Barbie (Jodi Benson). I won’t go on here because I don’t want to spoil the rest of the movie for people but if you follow the arc of the other two Toy Story movies, I think you might figure out what happens but there was a moment were I had my strong doubts and was ready to believe that ending.

What can I say about Toy Story 3 other than Pixar has done it again. This was going to be hit really no matter what. I loved the first two Toy Stories and this one didn’t disappoint. I really cried like a baby during this movie and laughed until I cried too. This movie had a lot of humour for kids and adults alike. A particular favourite scene involves Mr. Potato Head and a certain lunch box food item.

Like all Pixar films this movie had a lot of heart and emotion to it that I think really lacks some of the Dreamworks pictures. I think those animated films just like to fill it with so much pop culture references to placate the adults who were dragged to the film by their kids. This was no more obvious than with Shark Tale.

I saw this movie in 3D and didn’t really notice anything special about it but it was still a great film to see visually. Maybe the tears stained my 3D glasses which is maybe why I didn’t see anything special with the 3D but that’s really a bad thing.

I would be amiss not to mention the talented voice cast that has brought life to these characters for the last 15 years. Hanks and Allen are at their best with acerbic wit (Woody) and blowheartedness (Buzz). The two together are magic and the bromance between Woody and Buzz continues. Cusack is also still a delight as Jesse and Keaton is charming as Ken. Ratzenberger still brings laughs as Hamm as does Shawn as Rex.

15 years since it first graced our screens and 11 years since we last saw Woody, Buzz and the gang, the toys of Toy Story 3 still bring that magic and wonder if childhood and what it is like to have a new world open to you with your toys and a little bit of imagination. The folks of Pixar has managed to end the saga on an emotional high. I think this film is worthy to win the Best Animated Film Oscar next year.