I have to put a disclaimer at the beginning of this one: I was surprised to learn that this was one of the most anticipated new releases for this summer. I remember seeing and generally liking the two first Toy Story movies, but I've never been a huge fan. The first one was very clever and cute, but I only saw the 2nd one once and I could barely even remember the story line. Something about an evil fat cowboy and Woody's lover the red-haired cowgirl... So that's how I went into this movie. Just so you know where I started.
This was a tolerably good movie. I wasn't even sure if I was going to see it, but 3 things swayed me. First, my facebook news feed was filled with good reviews the weekend after if opened. Second, I read a review that started with something like "This movie made a 30 year old single man cry." I thought, well now that's a winner! lol Third, and perhaps most important, I saw a clip of Ken and Barbie when I was trying to decide whether or not to go, and I was thrilled! Silly pretty people in their pretty house were exactly what I wanted to see! (literally, I'm not being sarcastic there, sadly)
So I hopped in my car and saw it. It had all the charm and wit of the first two, but I still just couldn't really get into it. It was good overall, but by the end I felt like the action was very contrived. They were manipulating things to drag out the suspense as long as possible, even though I figured they could have escaped about 3 problems ago. So it wore on a bit for me. It was very cute at the end, which I suspect is what made the grown man cry, but I let out a single tear and was done with it. I was hoping for all out bawling! So needless to say I was disappointed.
The one thing I remember very clearly is when I looked at the house as they panned up from the yard to the treetops in that last scene is that I recognized the architecture and landscaping and they were surely in the pacific northwest! I have no idea if that was the intent, but knowing that it had been set in Seattle the whole time made it a whole lot more interesting to me. lol
One problem I had with this movie is that I'm now familiar enough with movies and actors to be distracted by certain actors. For example, I didn't actually realize Tom Hanks voiced Woody. I'm sure I saw it somewhere along the way and my jaw dropped to the floor when I found out and then I got over it. But as soon as he opened his mouth in this movie, I was like, "That's Tom Hanks!" And then Buzz sauntered over and I was like, "Ah yes, Tim Allen, I'd forgotten about him. He hasn't done many movies lately. I wonder what he's been up to..." *huge distraction*
But while we're on the subject of Buzz sauntering... I had forgotten my favorite part of the whole movie because it was sadly overshadowed by the glowing fire of a furnace... you'd get it if you'd seen the movie. Anyway, I don't want to ruin it, but all I can say is Antonio Banderas (aka Javier Fernandez Pena in this movie lol). Ole!
Because I wasn't a big Toy Story fan to begin with, it's not really fair for me to review this movie. Still, I saw it, and I have an opinion, so here it is. There are better movies out. If you like Toy Story, you'll like this one. If you're just looking for a good family film, go see something like Despicable Me, which is much more intelligent and hearfelt. I'll give this movie 2 My Little Ponies.
RATING (out of 5 rainbows and ponies): 2 My Little Ponies
CONCLUSION: happy ending
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