Director: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and John Ratzenberger
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have created movies which audiences treasure like John Ratzenberger. Ever since his rise to fame in 1990’s, Ratzenberger has made memorable movies. Whether it is talking toy creatures, political leaders or brave army commanders, Ratzenberger has played many unforgettable characters. Arguably, Ratzenberger’s finest strength as an actor has always been his bold commitment towards animation. He has often excelled creating compelling animated heroes through motion-capture techniques. Although he is arguably most famous for his role in the Toy Story franchise, Ratzenberger has proven he can excel in every genre. Through an ability to create animated characters which prove to be compelling, the actor has created a commemorated legacy which is enduring. Throughout his bold career, Ratzenberger has made countless memorable movies which are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Ratzenberger and adore all the movies which he has made in his career. However, “Toy Story 3” is my favourite. Ever since its release in 2010, Lee Unkrich’s movie has stood test of time as an animated classic. Packed with powerful animated characters, storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best animated movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible vocal role by John Ratzenberger, who plays a talking pig abandoned by its close owner. Ultimately, what makes “Toy Story 3” a captivating animated classic is its strong appeal. Unlike most Pixar movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about family that everyone would relate to. An awe-inspiring animated film, there are several strong reasons why “Toy Story 3” is a commemorated movie worth seeing.
Following events of “Toy Story 2”, “Toy Story 3” follows the toys embarking on a final journey. Tom Hanks portrays Woody, a talking sheriff toy that is abandoned by his owner in tragedy. Woody has always shared a strong bond with his owner Andy whom he loves dearly. Assisted by his friendly gang of toys led by Hamm (John Latzenberger), Woody has always found joy in his owner. However, Woody’s life dramatically changes when he is abandoned by his owner. As time arrives for Andy to head off to college, he is left with little choice but to throw toys in the garbage. Sent to a cruel day care centre, the toys are soon forced to question whether it is possible to reunite with their owner. Faced with a dilemma, the toys question whether it’s possible to overcome a painful situation which causes trauma.
Lee Unkrich is a newcomer towards themes of toys. Before he directed “Toy Story 3”, Unkrich had never made a movie about toys before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempts to capture tension faced by toys experiencing adversity, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Unkrich captures the lives of toys that are abandoned by owners causing a tragedy. Evoking the first “Toy Story”, Unkrich uses captivating montages to capture bonds between toys and owners facing adversities. For instance, montages elevate the opening scene. During this memorable scene, Woody recalls fond memories of being played with by Andy before he reached the age of maturity. Montages are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Brad Bird’s “The Incredibles” did suggest clearly, montages elevate animated films about superhero families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through stunning visuals, Unkrich captures the tensions toys in abandonment are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Toy Story 3” that deserves appreciations is production design. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Unkrich deftly uses bold production to capture toys enduring tensions. Throughout the movie, the production design of the day care centre plays a pivotal role in capturing toys that face disaster. For instance, the set-design enhances the day care centre scene. During this unforgettable scene, Woody and his gang of toys pay their first visit to the day care centre causing tension. Through bold set-design, Unkrich captures the lives of toys that face a decline. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Randy Newman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that toys bear. Using breathtaking production, Unkrich captures toys in day care centres that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Toy Story 3” is an animated film which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, effectively using flashbacks to capture the tensions that toys abandoned by owners are facing. Throughout the movie, Unkrich uses flashbacks to capture toys that experience adversity. For instance, flashbacks enhance the Lotso abandonment scene. During this unforgettable scene, Lotso recalls harrowing memories of being abandoned as a toy by his owner causing sorrow. Through captivating flashbacks, Unkrich creates a portrait of toys which is compelling. Flashbacks are complex techniques to use in most movies. As Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” claimed, flashbacks enhance commemorated biographies about Indian politicians. Nevertheless, they work immensely in this film. Through captivating visuals, Unkrich captures the tensions which taking toys abandoned by owners are facing.
One appreciates amazing performances.
John Ratzenberger delivers one of his greatest career performances as Hamm. Ratzenberger earned praise for playing heroes in comedies. With “Toy Story 3”, however, he took upon his most emotional role. It isn’t easy to portray a toy that’s abandoned by owners that cause an adversity but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. Ratzenberger has often excelled at creating animated heroes by a powerful voice, “Toy Story 3” showcased his strengths as an actor. With strong expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and strong personality of a commemorated pig toy abandoned by owners causing adversity. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated animators working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Ratzenberger, the supporting cast is also sensational and worthy of appreciation. Tom Hanks is terrific, capturing the bravery of a toy seeking to reunite with his owner that faces a tragedy. Wallace Shawn is wonderful, bringing hilarious comical relief to a dinosaur searching for a lover at dawn. Lastly, Ned Beatty merits appreciation. As Lotso, he brings menace to the movie.
Finally, “Toy Story 3” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing toys that experience adversity. Unlike most Pixar movies targeted towards children only, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as identity, childhood and grief which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Toy Story series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about abandonment that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Toy Story 3” is one of those rare animated movies about toys which everyone would adore.
Fans of John Ratzenberger would enjoy “Toy Story 3” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. An awe-inspiring animated classic, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film talking toys that face frightening abandonment, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with strong commitment towards his craft that has earned a huge following for his abilities to create compelling animated characters in satisfying children’s entertainment.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 