2. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Toy Story 3 was the 2010 release by Pixar and concluded the genre defining trilogy that served to cement a new era of animation, with innovations in computer generated technology and through providing a set of equally mesmerising characters that served to spark the imagination of millions worldwide. The plot centres on the toys being surplus to requirements as Andy has now grown up and is ready to move onto college. Initially deciding to only bring Woody with him, the other toys are sent to a day-care centre where they initially feel joyous and pleased that children will finally play with them again. However, sinister undertones of a repressed regime start to surface as its revealed that a cute, cuddly bear named Lotso is actually manipulative, conniving and evil, leading the group to attempt an elaborate escape and back into he ownership of Andy As with the previous two efforts, the appeal doesnt necessarily come from the story but from the characters that are involved within it. The usual band of heroes are included, with Woody and Buzz leading the group into another adventure. Were also introduced to new characters, and are treated the brilliant relationship between Barbie and Ken, who are perceived to be the archetypal perfect couple when the reality is much different. Their addition is specifically included to inject additional humour into a film that may on initial impression be a very melancholic affair. However, this is Pixar: pop cultural references litter the screen, characters shift languages and there are tons of other creative inclusions, such as Mrs. Potato Heads missing eye, that actively affect the plot. Its an effective combination that serves the balance of the films tone well. The film includes heartbreaking scenes that provide exactly what animation is designed to achieve, to make us connect with something so innocuous that it provides the ability for our emotions to transcend our initial expectations. Two scenes stand out, one involving the toys and their impending demise at a garbage centre and the ending involving their final goodbye to Andy. Its a brutally evocative experience to witness mere plastic toys accept death; accept that their end is near. Its something that may never have been thought possible, but the way Pixar have managed to provide a set of characters so convincingly lifelike is an achievement very few have surpassed. The toys and their final goodbye also marks the end of Andys innocence, symbolically passing on the torch to another child who will inevitably love them the way Andy used too. Its a scene that evokes our own personal transition from childhood to adulthood so well that our own experiences are reflected back at us. Ultimately the ending Pixar provided felt apt, emotive and a fitting end to a franchise that has provided so much to the world of animation with incredible aesthetics, pioneering computer animated technology and providing a series of unforgettable characters that are charismatic, charming and ultimately loveable. Toy Story 3 is a glorious way to end a franchise, one that deserved to hit the lofty heights that it ultimately achieved. Only one film tops it...