Toy Story 3

(Spoilers present)

I forgot how and when I first watched the first two TOY STORY films. I just know that I've seen them countless times, never got tired of them, and noticed more detail that I haven't picked up before. The first TOY STORY came out when I was 7, the same age as Andy in the film. Since then the films just stayed with me while growing up. And this second sequel sort of feels like revisiting an old friend after these years. After 15 years I had graduated from college. Similarly Andy, the owner of those toys, is going off to college and parting with these friends.

I collect a variety of toys...or, in a more non-childish way of saying, collectibles. They serve different purposes, whether to incite and practice our imagination, or to personally own a memory from certain media or places. Often there is a greater image behind the toy we see, and it is satisfying to have them around. This is why I "hang-out" with them again when I come home to the pile of toys that I haven't seen for an extended period of time. I kind of connect how the toys felt in the films, how they want to be played with and be there always for the owner. But there is a point in life where separation may become imminent, where a choice has to be made between lingering on to the past or moving on to a new one, and maybe onto a new cycle of life (there might be some Buddhist ideas here). Sheriff Woody in TOY STORY 3 has an epiphony that loving or staying loyal to someone does not mean to be physically with the person at all times. It may very well transcends space and time. Thus Woody made the decision to allow Andy to give him to a little girl. Sometimes letting go may be the best path to proceed. This is a powerful theme and idea that I can't even fully follow. I collect stuff because I am afraid of losing them and thus losing a part of my experience or memory. But new memories can't be create if one keeps on reminising at past ones right? (as cliche as it can sound...but true). I still am reluctant to throw some of my stuff away...sigh.

Oh right, the film...it is amazing. There are hundreds of other reviews that praise it in more articulate ways so I'll keep it simple. PIXAR team has again made a funny, creative, and thematically and emotionally powerful animation movie. It's amazing how emotional these films can become. In Japan, there is Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli. In U.S., there is Pixar. Good job Lee Unkrich and his team! I applaud them for giving an ideal example of a perfect trilogy (assuming this is the last one). Also, Pixar studios, Skywalker Ranch, and Studio Ghibli are three places I want to visit if they give out open tours...I know Ghibli does.

Now, time to do research on which new Toy Story toys I should get!

And happy Father's Day!