Toy Story 3

Woody (voice by Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice by Tim Allen), Jessie (voice by Joan Cusack) and the whole gang are back, but we have to wonder how long it will all last.

Their owner, Andy (voice by John Morris), is all grown up now and heading off to college, which means the toys are preparing for storage in the attic, or, even worse, being thrown out with the trash. These are the worst of times for a toy.

Can Woody convince the other toys Andy still needs and wants them?

While the characters in Toy Story 3 might be familiar, director/co-writer Lee Unkrich shows how the Pixar team can combine storytelling, art, and emotion into a movie that still surprises and delights the audience whether they are 4-years old or 94-years old. Most of this doesn't necessarily come from the dialogue, which is still funnier than 90% of movies out there, but from the writing team creating wonderful new characters as well as amazing situations and scenarios, made better by a fearlessness that leads to inspired comedy and emotion.

Under Unkrich's direction, Sunnyside becomes a twisted prison of tyranny and torture straight out of the most frightening of World War II POW movies, or a film noir about life in the joint. It's comedic genius kids can enjoy for the sheer silliness and goofiness of it all, while adults understand the influences behind the scenes.

Then, Unkrich and the team show you Toy Story 3 still is about friendship, family and moments that make each parent in the audience hold onto their child with an acknowledgement that what you see on the screen as Mom watches her son step off into manhood is very real and will happen all too soon. Woody's dedication to saving his pals, the teamwork each one displays to help the others and big decisions each character has to make about their future reinforces how much each one cares for the others, which makes them all the more lovable for those of us in the audience.

While we all love Hanks, Allen, and the rest of the returning cast, keep your eyes and ears open for newcomers Timothy Dalton and Michael Keaton. Dalton makes Mr. Pricklepants, a stuffed porcupine toy, into an instant classic as he attempts to bring classical training to his playtime endeavors and roles, while Keaton captures the true essence of Ken (yes, Barbie's Ken) in a performance that makes the adults laugh in recognition, while kids might not get the joke, but will enjoy the goofiness.

I'm not sure we will get a Toy Story 4, so savor this one while you can.

Toy Story 3 is rated G.