Toy Story 3

I've given some shots at CGI and computer animation in general, but I do not apologize for it. People have taken a wonderful technology, capable of so much, and made it an eye rending horror. Just yesterday I saw the first photos of Speilberg's "Tintin" and all I can say is wow howdy that is some ugly stuff.

So it is a joy, really a treat, to see something like Toy Story 3 which shows how it is done. The animation is natural, breezy. The designs are so clean and well thought out. The colors are bold without causing a headache. In short, the film looks wonderful.

But, of course if I just wanted to see something that looks wonderful I'd go to a musuem or look in a mirror (I kid!) What makes the toy story movies so good is the writing and voice work. Though the subjects might be little toys, these films are really about the big things in life: love, trust, and loyalty.

In the latest romp, the toys are concerned about their future. Andy is now all grown up and ready for college. The choices seem bleak, a retirement home set up in the attic, or the garbage can. Our toys think they've found a new home in the nearby preschool, but is it all it's cracked up to be? Can Woody give up on Andy? Can he abandon his family? Will Ken and Barbie get together?

The film deftly handles it all with a light sure touch. All the actors are given space to work with their characters. I specially like Joan Cusack for her performance of Jessie. She retains the emotional vulnerablity from the last film, but definitely shows she has grown into her new family. Tim Allen is funny, but his character isn't central to this story arc so he's far more the comedy relief. Really it is Tom Hanks who is the center of this film and he does such a good job I'll forgive him for other projects like "The Davinci Code."

Seriously, you are not too old to see this. This might be a "kid's movie" but I think most adults will enjoy the experience.

Bonus: Every villain should have "Death by Monkeys" as an option. Just saying.