Monday, July 12, 2010

Two-part Movie Review #1 - Part 1

Note: I can't believe how much people have been clamoring for this post (or so I hear - nobody's actually said it to me via the comments or my facebook page). Well, here it finally is. Part 2 has yet to be written.

A quick explanation: these (actually, just "this" right now) two-part movie reviews are in two parts for a reason. Part 1 is for everyone! If you haven't seen it, read on. Nothing spoilery here. I can't be held responsible for anything that's given away via the links, though I'll try not to send you anywhere that will ruin it. But I warn you NOT to read part 2 until you've seen the movie, or if you decide from part 1 that you really don't care to see it in the first place. There. That's done.

I don't go to movies very often. Honestly don't remember the last time I went to one at the cinema. Until a couple of weeks ago. Went to check out a show that is a continuation of what's been an epic, innocent, fun tale. A kid-flick? Family-friendly-film? I think it's the kind of film anyone ought to appreciate. Though, actually, your young children may be a bit frightened, as it gets a little scary. Check out what this mother thought!

So here's what I thought of Toy Story 3: If you remember the first two films, this one will not amaze you visually the way those two did. Unless you see it in 3-D. Then, well, you decide. Seeing it 2-D was pleasing, but not amazing. Pixar kept it visually consistent with the first two films, which just doesn't blow your mind like they did way back when. When it comes to characters, they're believable, loveable, hateable, laughable. Strikingly human-like for being potatoes, aliens, bears, dinosaurs, and telephones. The themes are strong and, for the most part, good: faithfulness, family, courage, imagination, and coming-of-age, to name a few. And the story itself, well, its great. Conflict is internal and external. Characters are dynamic. And it reaches resolution.

In a few places it's just kind of slow to develop or move along. And, if you don't want to mess your make up, ladies, or look sensitive, guys, you might want to avoid this one. Yes, my eyes got wetter than normal a couple times. And I did everything I could not to let on to the people sitting nearby. I don't think they noticed. They may have been too busy trying to keep me from noticing them.

Really, though, if I haven't convinced you yet, this just might do the trick! I give TS3 a solid four-O-out-of-five "ooootmah!" Be sure to stop back again once you've seen it to explore and discuss the themes a bit on part 2.

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