One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
79. Toy Story 3 (2010) Directed by Lee Unkrich
The Movie: Andy (John Morris) is on his way to college. He decides that he wants to take his favorite toy, Woody (Tom Hanks) with him, while the other toys that he loved growing up, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the others are placed in a bag for storage. Andy’s mom however makes a mistake and puts the toys on the curb to be thrown away. Woody attempts to convince the toys it was a mistake, but they do not believe him.
The other toys join Barbie (Jodi Benson) in a box destined for Sunnyside Daycare. At Sunnyside the toys believe they are where they are supposed to be. They meet Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear (Ned Beatty) and Ken (Michael Keaton) who tell them how wonderful it is at Sunnyvale. Barbie agrees and falls in love with Ken. Woody pleads with the other toys that it was a mistake and that Andy would never throw them away. They do not believe him and decide to stay at Sunnydale. Woody leaves, heartbroken. On his way back to Andy, Woody is picked up by a sweet little girl named Bonnie who introduces him to her other toys.
At Sunnydale, Andy’s toys were duped by Lotso, he banishes them into the toddler room where toys are destroyed and Lotso and his gang reside in the older kids room where they are played with and treated well. Lotso does see promise in Buzz and switches him to his “demo” mode, reverting Buzz back to when he believed he was the actual Buzz Lightyear.
Mrs. Potato Head (Estelle Harris) sees through her eye left behind in Andy’s room, that Woody was telling the truth. Andy’s toys realize the mistake they made and attempt to flee the daycare but are captured by Buzz.
Woody meets Chuckles (Bud Luckey) a clown who tells him that he, Lotso and Big Baby were all owned by a girl named Daisy. Chuckles tells Woody that all three toys were accidentally lost on a road trip. Chuckles told Woody that he and the other toys made it back to Daisy’s home but learned they had all been replaced. Hurt, Lotso and the other toys made there way to Sunnyside, where Lotso became a dictator.
Being the hero that he is, Woody returns to Sunnyside to save Andy’s toys. The toys plan and initiate their escape. They also set Buzz to his “Spanish” mode. Spanish Buzz quickly becomes friends with Woody and tries to court Jessie. Andy’s toys make it nearly out of the daycare and near a dumpster. Lotso and his cronies corner the toys. Woody reveals to Big Baby that Lotso deceived them into believing Daisy had moved on. Big Baby throws Lotso into the dumpster. The toys try to escape but Woody is grabbed by Lotso and pulled into the dumpster as a truck approaches. The other toys try to help Woody but it’s too late. They are all in the dump truck. A TV falls on Buzz, reverting him back to normal.
The toys are dumped in a local landfill and are placed on a conveyor belt that its heading for an incinerator. Woody and Buzz work together to save Lotso from a shredder. Lotso with a choice to strop the conveyor belt chooses to abandon Andy’s toys, leaving them to their death. Woody and the rest of Andy’s toys accept their fate but are soon rescued by the Aliens and a giant claw.
Lotso doesn’t escape. He is grabbed by a driver and strapped to a garbage truck grille. Andy’s toys hitch a ride on Sid’s (Erik Von Detten) garbage truck and make their way back to Andy’s house. At Andy’s house, Andy finds a note. Andy believes the note is from his mom, when in fact it was from Woody asking him to donate his toys to Bonnie. Andy brings his toys to Bonnie who gladly accepts them. Bonnie sees that Andy has Woody, Andy doesn’t want to part with Woody but looking at Bonnie he realizes that Woody belongs to Bonnie now.
Why I Love Toy Story 3 (2010): As the Toy Story franchise has gotten older so too has its original fans. The creators of Toy Story used time to their advantage in a way a lot of other movies/animated films have not. Each installment gets better, with Toy Story 3 being the best of the series. Now, Toy Story 4 is almost as brilliant, but the emotional weight of Toy Story 3 turns me into a happy, crying mess. Not too many films can do that, let alone one that is at its third installment.
Woody is one of my most cherished Disney characters. I love his selflessness and his growth throughout the series. In the first film not only is he the leader but he must convince Buzz that he is a toy. In the second film, he grapples with his importance and his place in the world. And in third film, Woody realizes that although he loves Andy, it is time for he and Andy to move on.
The film also tackles loss and death in a way I wasn’t expecting. I remember sitting in the theater, crying because I thought Woody and gang were going to die. Only then to be hit with the gut punch of Andy saying goodbye. But the joy on Bonnie’s face when Andy gives her Woody is a tear jerker as well, but the happy kind.
The film is directed with flair, the animation is not surprisingly beautiful. Everything in this film works. Toy Story 3 is Pixar at its best. Funny, emotional and a sense of wonder that sticks with you long after the credits roll.