Joy story.

Took Winter to see Toy Story 3 today; her first ever trip to the cinema. I'm not sure who was more excited. I just love Pixar and everything they make, and Winter couldn't believe she was going to see "a TV bigger than our TV bigger than our house even!"

When I first asked her if she'd like to see Toy Story 3, I was surprised she already knew it was out. "How have you heard about Toy Story 3?" "It's on vanilla, Dad." "What?" "Toy Story 3. It's on vanilla yoghurt." A victory for the marketers there, I think.

I was also surprised when she told me we should get popcorn at the movie! She's never been to a movie and she knows you're supposed to get popcorn? As we stood munching away while waiting in the queue to get in, she surprised me yet again when she said, "I think that's enough popcorn for now, Dad." "Oh! You think we should save some for later?" "No, I think you've had enough." Next time she can buy her own.


Going in I was quite nervous. I was very much looking forward to this film, and really didn't want to be fielding "Who's that? What's that person doing?" questions all the way through. Or worse, "Dad, I'm bored. Can we go home?" Anyway, I needn't have worried. Winter was perfect, and so was the film. As Jim Gaffigan said, "Brilliant. Is there anyway Pixar can be in charge of all entertainment?"

Yep, once again Pixar have exceeded my expectations. Predicting the usual disappointing follow-up, I groaned when Toy Story 2 was announced, but it was great! So great in fact that I couldn't decide which of the two I liked more. And it's the same with 3. While building on what's gone before, Pixar have once again crafted something entirely new. All three stories are filled with adventure, humour and genuine emotion, but they each have something unique that gives them a character of their own. Unlike a certain other trilogy, Pixar haven't remade the same film or just doubled the size of the villain. They've made the effort to craft new characters and develop a story that, while working with familiar themes, places our heroes in a whole new world. And each time they pull it off. Magnificently.

I can't think of another trilogy/series in which I'm unable to pick a favourite, or rank the films based on order of preference. Star Wars? Empire, New Hope, Jedi. Indy? Raiders, Crusade, Temple, and the other one. Toy Story? Um, well… it's a three-way tie! Lord of the Rings is about as close as I can get, but even those I could rank if you pushed me.

The three Toy Story movies sit together so well it's like they were always intended to do so. They're three acts that blend seamlessly into one. And Pixar make it seem so easy. When you're watching 3 you wonder how else it could have been done, how could the story be anything but what it is here? But reading about an alternate plot that was developed when Pixar lost the sequel rights, I realised how easily it could have been so different and, imho, worse. The "recall" plot doesn't sound convincing to me, and thankfully it was recalled itself, and Pixar were put back in charge.

For them, making movies really doesn't seem to be about the money, it's about the story, and so I can't imagine we'll ever see Toy Story 4. The story's been told, told well, and now we're done. And that's not a bad thing. I could happily watch these three for the rest of my days. They're just so good. Thanks Pixar for all the joy.