I’ll try my best not to spoil the plot for you. If you’re looking for a review of “Toy Story 3,” check out this link.
I cried watching most of “Toy Story 3” late Friday night. The animated film features some intense themes. On the surface, it’s colorful and filled with toys. But the deeper meaning of the movie really is intense.
Basically, Andy is heading off to college, so he’s cleaning his childhood room and preparing some items for the trash, attic and to be donated.
I’ve always been a big fan of “Toy Story.” There never are lowbrow jokes or pop culture references. It’s a timeless piece that offers a deep meaning behind all of the colorful objects.
I can see myself as Andy — from the first movie some 15 years ago and through the latest in the series.
Like many children, I made up so many stories playing with my favorite toys. And as time grew on, I played with them less and less. Those that remain are tucked into a storage crate.
I miss my childhood a lot. I miss sitting on my bedroom floor, playing with my Micro Machines and running a colorful train through the kitchen, making it go “toot toot.” I miss the stuffed animal/action figure scenarios similar to those Andy created.
For me, my favorite toy/stuffed animal was a dog named Spike. I remember times when he’d overlook the Micro Machine town from high atop the mountain (my bed) just making sure all was well.
He’s still with me today. My hope is that he’ll be with me forever, as he came into my life before I became part of this world. My grandmother bought him months in advance of my big arrival in 1983.
My Micro Machines also have outlived my childhood. Not all of them as I’ve lost pieces, etc. But I do have a good portion of them.
In this crazy world where grown-ups are always busy working, I’m sure many of us wish we could stop and be a kid again. I know I do. And it’s a struggle to want to relive and remember your childhood, while knowing that time doesn’t go in reverse.
Andy’s long hesitation over what to do with his toys hit home. Each time I go through a storage crate, I sit there, reminiscing before finally making that decision — keep, throw away, donate.
Without saying too much, the ending made me very sad.
Maybe in a few weeks or months — once more people have seen the movie — I’ll make these thoughts more concise and add more details from the flick. But it’s still early and I don’t want to ruin it for anybody.
But I will suggest going to see it. I want to see it again.
When the road looks rough ahead
And you’re miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you’ve got a friend in me
BobbyCherry.com 