It’s something that may make the original audience feel very old, but it’s fifteen years since ‘Toy Story’, the first full-length computer animated film ever made, was released and changed the animation landscape forever. Now Woody, Buzz and the gang are back for one last (?) adventure in ‘Toy Story 3’.

Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), along with the rest of the toy box, are facing an uncertain future. Their owner, Andy, is all grown up and heading to college, having long forgotten his old pals. However, when a packing mix up sees them donated to the local day care centre that isn’t all that it seems, Woody must find a way to get back to Andy before it’s too late.

Pixar itself is a studio that doesn’t do bad films, but this is their only property (so far) to get a sequel, and it’s their ‘flagship’ movie to boot. No pressure there then. Well, any fears should be put to rest as this is at least as good as the other two, if not better. The introduction of brilliant new characters, along with an interest story, make up the spine but at it’s heart, as with so many other Pixar movies, is a film that you can take many different things away from. There’s themes of loss, fear of abandonment, a need for purpose, and the acceptance of change. On the other hand, it’s a hilarious ‘prison break’ movie with talking toys. There’s quality running through however deep you look into it.

The original characters all deliver- Hanks’ Woody is the leader, Buzz the ‘Han Solo’-esque adventurer, Rex is the neuroses-ridden dinosaur. But the new characters are just genius. Acting legend Ned Beatty is wonderful as ‘Lotso’, the cuddly leader of the day care centre, and ‘Big Baby’ can be at times terrifying (for a toy). But by far the best addition is Michael Keaton’s Ken doll. Self-obsessed and insecure, he’s maybe the funniest of the lot and a brilliant take on a toy everybody knows.

The 3D is ok, but whether you’ve got oversized glasses on or not this is a classic. Children will be entranced, and even the toughest adults may struggle to get rid of that lump in their throat by the end of the movie. It may be sad to bid our beloved toys farewell, but at least the series goes out at the top!

Toy Story 3 is out today!