Before I discuss the first couple of formal reviews from major publications to cover Toy Story 3, I’d like to share another significant success for this yet-to-be released film.
In just four days, over a million young adults flocked to become a Facebook "fan" of Pixar’s beloved series while vowing to pack theatres come June 18th. So, it’s a safe bet that Woody and the gang have a huge box-office hit on their hands. But that’s just half of what makes the studio’s streak special…
Now that we’ve established the huge prospective audience for part three, let’s see what some top critics have to say. Two high profile trade papers, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, released their full, spoiler packed verdict on Toy Story 3 today. I’m glad to report that they’re both positive, to varying degrees. The gist of each essay follows as to keep you in the know while avoiding plot points.
THR’s Michael Rechtshaffen is full of praise for Pixar’s latest adventure. For him, the bottom line is that "Woody [and company] make a thoroughly engaging, emotionally satisfying return." Rechtshaffen notes that Toy Story 3 lacks the wonderment of watching CGI films for the first time (as with the original Toy Story), but the tale more than makes up for that.
On the other hand, Variety’s Peter Debruge felt that the toy’s return was "unneeded." I completely disagree (look out for my review soon) primarily because I feel Pixar wrapped the story up nicely. With that said, Variety did enjoy Toy Story 3 noting that the comedy takes "the high road" and that the emotion "pays off." Also on the positive side, both critics agree that the visuals are stunning.
I would like to reiterate that both of these reviews go through the plot in detail so spoilers are almost impossible to read around. Make sure to keep these bookmarked for later to compare your opinion with that of Hollywood’s press.
So far, Toy Story is (unofficially) 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with only the reviews mentioned above counted so far.
Look out for Review Round-Ups! I read ‘em so you don’t have to spoil yourself.
Last modified: June 8, 2010
“Unneeded”? That’s such a silly thing to say. Toy Story 2 wasn’t needed, and yet now we feel like it’s an essential part of the Toy Story saga! Most often, sequels aren’t needed but they’re great to have anyways. At least, sometimes they’re great to have (cough cough Shrek cough cough)
Still, it’s great that they’re positive reviews overall. I can’t wait to read after I see the movie!!
“Pop song montages” — okay, THAT scares me. I liked most of the songs they picked for Cars, but I don’t know if that’ll work for Toy Story. Hmm. The Variety review worries me, but most all of my friends who saw the Cliffhanger Screening loved it a lot, so I’ll cast my worries aside for now.
—Leirin
Time, Indiewire, THR, and Pete Hammond all raved about it. Variety’s I would categorize as slightly positive. I think the guy held it against the movie the fact that it was a sequel, and he wanted more of the UPs, Ratatouilles, and Wall-E type of original fare with audacious premises. There’s nothing wrong with going back to an established film if the filmmakers feel there’s still a worthwhile story to tell, and the majority of reviews thus far, along with reactions from Showest and Cliffhanger screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. There’s nothing to worry about.
Last Anonymous- You’re right — nothing to be worried about. I hope that’s not how my post came off.
With that said, I’m wondering if TIME will have a formal review published or if Richard Corliss always planned on making it a feature/review hybrid (as Indie Wire noted in her feature/review.)