Film: Toy Story 3

GENRE: Animated

RATING: G

RUNTIME: 1 hour and 43 minutes

STARRING: Tom Hanks (Polar Express), Tim Allen (Santa Clause) Ned Beatty (Rudy), Michael Keaton (Cars)

DIRECTOR: Lee Unkrich (Finding Nemo)

WRITERS: Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine)

John Lasseter (Cars, Toy Story, Toy Story 2)

PLOT: Woody, Buzz and the toy box gang are put in a day-care centre as Andy departs for college.

FIVE OBSERVATIONS:

1 There is something about this movie that instantly pulls you in. Maybe it’s the familiarity of the characters. This is a sequel that was worth making.

2 Love some of the new characters, especially the flamboyant Ken, the film noir-ish Chatter Telephone and Bonnie’s tea time guests: Dolly, Buttercup, Trixie and Mr. Pricklepants. Fun stuff.

3 One of the toys is an evil villain. It seemed a little out of place in the Toy Story universe. Sure there was Sid in the first film and the Chicken Guy in the second but those were human. Oh, and Big Baby? Way too creepy.

4 Again saw this in 2D. Was wonderful. Who needs 3D?

5 Tears welled up. I’m not ashamed to admit it. I loved my toys. It’s sad and satisfying at the same time. Darn you Pixar for being so amazing!

RECOMMENDATION: See it in the theatre. But you might want to bring a tissue.

UPCOMING REVIEW: Knight and Day

Film: The A-Team

GENRE: Action/Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for violence and some language

RUNTIME: 1 hour and 57 minutes

STARRING: Liam Neeson (Taken), Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Sharlto Copley (District 9)

DIRECTOR: Joe Carnahan (Narc, Smokin’ Aces)

WRITER: Joe Canahan (Narc, Smokin’ Aces)

PLOT: A crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men prompyly escaped . . . (you know the rest)

FIVE OBSERVATIONS:

1 Talk about non-stop action. I think there was one breather that was two minutes or so. If you like explosions, gun play and flying metal, this one has it all. A testosterone-fuel rollercoaster ride of rampage. Completely unbelievable but fun at the same time. Check your disbelief at the door.

2 All four actors play their TV counterparts very well, but the standout has to be Sharlto Copley who nailed the exuberant manic craziness that is Howling Mad Murdoch.

3 I loved the fact that all the actors seemed to be having fun in their roles. I love a bad guy who doesn’t know how to be a good bad guy.

4 Enjoyed the Vancouver locations in the background. Also, I didn’t know Germany had so many lakes.

5 Was hoping to see Col. Dekker. Although maybe we did and didn’t know it.

RECOMMENDATION: Fun to watch in the theatres

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Toy Story 3