Toy Story 3: Lessons on Love and Loyalty

Woody and Buzz, overlooking the Hudson River Valley. HANS CLAESSENS Few moviegoers carry high expectations when walking into the third installment of a trilogy. But Pixar’s Toy Story 3 manages to pique the imagination and swell the heart as it reunites the audience with the now collegebound Andy and his seemingly-forgotten group of toys, led by the ever loyal and loving Woody, the talking sheriff action figure.

As the toys wage a battle against Lots-o, an evil bear that smells of sweet strawberries, Pixar’s use of emotional scenes, light-heartedness, and humor make the third installment of Toy Story one of the most inspirational movies of recent memory.

The movie addresses the wide range of emotions involved in a teenager’s eager anticipation of leaving home to attend college. The film opens with a quick reminiscence of Andy’s early childhood as it shows scenes from home-videos that record his undying energy and enthusiasm when playing with his dearly beloved toys.

This introduction paves the way for a sudden, stark contrast as the viewer speeds forward into the present reality: No longer a content and care-free little boy, Andy enters the scene as a teenager who hasn’t touched his toys in years.

Andy’s toys nearly fall into despair over this neglect from the boy they love so much. Then, as the toys attempt to attract his attention, they hear Andy declare to his mother how worthless they are.

And so begins the latest adventure of the toys of 234 Elm Street. The movie chronicles the series of occurrences that compel the toys to escape to the “donations” box, whereby they end up at the deceptively cheerful Sunnyside Daycare. Woody, whom Andy intended to take to college, got wrapped in with his old friends at the daycare, but his deeply-rooted loyalty to Andy causes Woody to set off toward home, alone.

As the story unfolds, Woody realizes that danger threatens his toy friends, and so, in a striking display of selflessness, Woody abandons his own stubbornness to save his friends. He begins a quest to free the toys from the prison that is Sunnyside, over which Lots-o presides as the dictatorial leader.

Toy Story 3 assures the moviegoer that allegiance will ultimately be rewarded. It revolves around a solid axis of themes as it lauds special friendships, unyielding loyalty, and selfless love. It paints a vivid picture illustrating the different cycles of life: Andy cherishes his toys in childhood, forgets about them later on, and then cherishes them once again with a renewed vision.

Toy Story will thrill children, parents, and grandparents as it evokes memories of long days spent playing in the attic or basement, and as it shows the power of true friendship.