Toy Story 3

I quite liked the first Toy Story movie, but the second was mediocre enough that I was prepared to skip the third. The reviews were so overwhelmingly positive, however, that last night we went to see it at our local megaplex.

I'm glad we did.

Michael Arndt, who wrote Little Miss Sunshine, one of my favorite films of the last five years, was the lead writer on Toy Story 3, and his ability to deliver both humor and genuine emotion, as well as his wonky plotting style, were on full display. I don't want to spoil anything, so let me just say that both his handling of the main bad guy and the final scene were pitch perfect.

The animation won't blow you away; you've seen this quality level before. That's not a problem, though, because the film is consistent with the Toy Story look we've come to expect.

Toy Story 3 is not a movie for any one particular age; everyone can enjoy it. Definitely do not miss this one.