A Toy Story 3D Experience

More than a week ago, my sister and I decided to finally watch Toy Story 3 at a local mall. We planned it a long time ago but our schedules were holding us back. Finally, on July 23, 2010, we were able to go and watch the movie. It was really cool since it was in full 3D (even the trailers before the movie were in 3D) and we had to wear sanitized 3D glasses from beginning till the end of the movie. On a side note, we were quite skeptical about the glasses being sanitized because they put them back in the containers right after we used it.

Anyway, during that time, Toy Story 3 was around its 3^rd or 4^th week of showing. It's quite a blessing since there were only 4 groups of people in the theater during the show including us. We're not very particular with spoilers and such so we just wait until the final weeks of airing before we watch a movie so that there won't be many people inside the movie theater. It is way better than to have full attendance where people are noisy talking to each other, eating their snacks, hustling noises here and there, phone ringing, kids crying, etc. Aside from me and my sister, there were 3 people in the orchestra section. On the balcony, there were only about 6 people so that's really ideal for us.

For the movie, we actually had very high expectations. We've read reviews and it was among the top rated movies of all time as seen on imdb.com. Many of our friends and family members who watched the movie told us that it was really great. And as soon as we watched it, our expectations were met and we got even more. For the readers, please be advised that there may be spoilers ahead.

We've watched the first two Toy Story movies at home quite a number of times. I remember our VHS tape of Toy Story was destroyed because of overuse. We were expecting a good continuation of the story and indeed it was. Andy is now a teenager and he had to move out of the house. Most of the toys are already gone except for the main characters Woody, Buzz and Jessie as well as some of the more notable characters such as Mr. Potato Head and Rex.

We were quite amazed with the concept of the movie and how deep it went based on a story about toys. They were brought to a daycare center and of course they were happy since they can be played by kids again. Unknown to them, there's a system in the daycare center between the toys and new toys are sent to the room with children that are quite unruly. The toys are headed by Lotso, a sinister but fluffy pink bear. Their journey to freedom and go back to Andy was really exciting plus, there are lots of new toys including a huge baby doll, clown/jester and Ken.

One of the best traits a movie can have is if it you can relate to it especially if it's about your childhood. I won't spoil the ending but it makes you remember those good days when you were still playing with your toys. I remembered my action figures and how I parted with them. But most importantly, those memories of your childhood get remembered once again.

It's been more than a decade when I last played with my toys on the couch and on the table. I swear tears were lingering in my eyes as the movie ended. It was a perfect mix of comedy, drama, suspense and action. And to be able to present it effectively for kids is just, for a lack for a better term, perfect. If you haven't watched the first 2 movies yet, I suggest you do so. It's not that vital since Toy Story 3 can very well stand on its own but you'll have a better understanding of the relationships between the main characters.

Oh yeah, did I mention that it was so ironic that the antagonist is a fluffy teddy bear. It deviates to the notion that teddy bears are cute, nice and cuddly. Kind of makes you realize, again, that not everything is as good as it appears. Oh well, for now we're going to take a break from watching movies again unless something really good comes up. But if you haven't watched Toy Story 3 yet, I suggest you do so. However, it may still be only on few selected theaters but there's still a possibility it's still showing. Take that chance.

Source:
Toy Story 3 - imdb.com
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/