Last Updated on July 10, 2025 by Fadra Nally
Even if you’re not a fan of trilogies, Toy Story 3 is a perfect ending to a nearly perfect trilogy. Admittedly, this is from a parenting perspective, and where you are with that age and stage in your life will have a big impact on how you feel about this movie.
We are big Buzz Lightyear fans in this household. In fact, it was just a few months ago that my 3 year old son was introduced to the world of Toy Story and the magic hasn’t stopped since.
We have seen Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, a cartoon of Buzz Lightyear’s adventures originally intended to be a TV pilot. So, of course, we made plans to see Toy Story 3.
We used Father’s Day as an excuse to take my son to his first real movie. We got there only a few minutes before the movie started and were relegated to the second row. But even that couldn’t diminish my love for this movie.
With buttered popcorn in hand, we watched as the movie began. Andy, toy lover and owner, has grown up and is leaving for college. He has to clean out his room and decide which should stay and what should go. At 17 years old, the toys have been collecting dust for a while.
They accidentally end up at a daycare where they think they’ll be played with forever. They soon discover that this daycare has a toy ringleader who makes the Evil Zurg seem friendly. And the story ensues like the rest of the movies. The toys all overcome insurmountable obstacles to return to their one true owner – Andy.
The story has a happy ending but not in the way you would expect. It was an ending that made me bawl like a little girl. I might have seen some tears in my husband’s eyes too. Either way, it made me glad I still have an attic full of my toys.
Toy Story 3 for the kids
My son is three and did terrific for his first movie. He sat quietly, only needed to go potty during the previews, and asked only 3 questions. That’s a pretty good experience in my book. I explained in advance that I heard about a scary baby sequence. He was expected it and wasn’t scared. However, he did mention that there were two scary parts: one of the baby scenes (not sure which one) and a surprise appearance by Zurg at the end. I did hear a few crying children and some scenes could be overwhelming for other children.
Toy Story 3 overall
This movie is great for moms, dads, and kids. It’s also great for adults who don’t have kids. We’re beyond the days of adults needing to have children in order to see a Pixar movie. The visuals were great, as was the music. And the whole lovable cast of characters returns. If anyone in your family has any sort of affectation for the Toy Story characters, go see this movie. It’s engaging, entertaining, and it’s a keeper. I’ve got my credit card in hand ready to buy the DVD.
If you really want to go deep into this movie (and make yourself cry even more), check out the insights I gained when I heard a Disney cast member give a keynote speech about the intentional story arc and how it was portrayed from the original Toy Story to the end of Toy Story 3.
I have not watched it.. thanx for review 😀
I think we need a group: our husbands cried at Toy Story 3.
I probably skipped this because I didn’t think we were going to take Turtle. I knew it was going to be sad, but was not prepared for the kind of sad.