.jeri.

The Toy Story movies are always a good time, but I have to admit that after I see each of them, I have no need to see them again. I like them, but they somehow don't quite endear themselves to me. When the trailers came out for this third installment in the franchise, I decided to do what I always do - wait for the cheap theater and know that I'll enjoy myself without loving the movie.

I'd have to say that the pattern has repeated for me, although this is probably a better movie than the previous ones. The problem I have is actually with how incredibly depressing Toy Story 3 is for a kids' movie. Essentially, we see a boy's toys feel abandoned by him, get thrown into the abusive atmosphere of a preschool classroom, struggle to escape despite the efforts of a bunch of evil toys, and even resolve themselves to a fiery death in a recycling plant. Seeing some of my favorite childhood toys as villains was a bit traumatic, and Big Baby is one of the scariest characters I've seen all year. If you've seen the movie, then you know that the ending is satisfying, but just as sad for any adult watching it, because it reminds us that we're all growing old and have to let go of our youth. It's one of the most depressing movies I saw this year.

I love all of the creative uses of toys in the Toy Story franchise, and the sense of humor is always fun. There's a good adventure and there are some positive themes running throughout the story. I just wonder how great of a movie this is for young kids. The ones sitting behind me kept asking their parents worried questions, and they didn't laugh very often. So, are people Andy's age the intended audience for this movie, even though young kids will probably be entertained while watching it?

Overall, I'd give this movie a positive review, with the caveat that it's a positive review of a sad little animated adventure.