Image copyright Disney/Pixar.
The first peeks are unveiled of the next chapter in the tale of Andy’s toys.
By Blake
Originally posted December 22, 2009.
When I last reported on Toy Story 3 in August 2009, we knew several things – that most of the original voice cast would return, that Michael Keaton would be voicing Ken (a new character playing opposite Barbie), and that the film’s plot tells of the toys’ owner, Andy, heading to college.
Since then, several more exciting details have emerged concerning the highly-anticipated Pixar sequel hitting theaters in June. At the D23 Expo in September, fans learned that Bonnie Hunt, Whoopie Goldberg, and Jeff Garlin would all have a role in the film, though which characters they will be playing are still unspecified. More voice casting news came via an October online video featuring director Lee Unkrich, revealing that Slinky Dog (who was previously voiced by the late Jim Varney) will now be played by Blake Clark (who has a pretty cool name, if you ask me). In the same video, Unkrich also announced that Kristen Schaal will have a role in the film.
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy's toys return to the big screen in summer 2010 for Toy Story 3. Image copyright Disney/Pixar.
Also in October, alongside the theatrical double feature release of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D, came the prestigious official trailer for Toy Story 3 that really puts into perspective what the series’ third installment will bring to audiences and the level of both comedy and emotional heart that we’ll be witnessing come next June. Take a look at the trailer at Disney.com and just try not to feel the tiniest inkling of excitement. (Remember to return to BlakeOnline to read the rest of the article when you’re finished!)
Talk about awesome.
The trailer very effectively shows the plot and its characters in a way that allows audiences to re-spark their familiarity with the characters, as well as both become sentimental and provide a few laughs. We also get to see where exactly the toys are headed as Andy leaves for college: a daycare, filled with a toy’s worst nightmare: preschoolers. Lastly, the trailer shows that Buzz accidentally gets reprogrammed into thinking he’s a real space ranger again and not a toy, though this time he speaks only Spanish. That should make for some very funny sequences, though I’m wondering what clever trick Pixar has up their sleeves to implement those gags in Spanish-speaking countries.
Andy's toys are headed to Sunnyside daycare in Toy Story 3. Image copyright Disney/Pixar.
Fast-forward to last Sunday, December 20, and Lee Unkrich introduced a new sneak peek clip from Toy Story 3 on ABC Family. The scene was made available on Disney.com on December 21. Again, please click the link to watch it and then hightail back over here.
Back? Ok, good.
Overall, the scene seems to be very reminiscent of the yard sale sequence from Toy Story 2 in that it sets the gears in motion for the rest of the film through a series of unintentional occurrences. Andy means well by placing the bag of toys in front of the attic, but becomes distracted and thus causes his toys to be put out on the curb.
Already in this brief clip, we get to see a wide variety of the characters’ signature personalities. Mr. Potato Head makes a sarcastic remark and Rex is as nervous as ever. Notice how Jessie’s anxiety begins through fearful panting as she awaits what might happen next. Also take note that when Andy chooses Woody to go with him to college, Woody isn’t in a celebratory mood whatsoever. Rather, his classic sense of leadership kicks in as he rushes to see how he can help his friends escape their unfortunate predicament.
A pivotal action on Andy’s part takes place as he holds both Woody and Buzz in his hands, wondering what to do with them. His two favorite toys, both characters have been treated as equals during the entire film series, up until now. Ultimately Andy places Woody in his college box and Buzz in a trash bag intended for the attic. Oh, snap! Did you see Buzz’s face? He was just as shocked as we were.
Suspiciously absent from any trailer or sneak peek so far are several supporting characters, including Wheezy, Bo Peep, RC, Lenny, and a few others. Not to worry, though. Unkrich has confirmed on his Twitter page that those four will indeed be returning in Toy Story 3.
After viewing both the trailer and sneak peek for Toy Story 3, it’s very clear that Pixar is again crafting a truly marvelous film. We know that the toys will eventually make it to Sunnyside Day Care and subsequently lead an effort to break out, but what happens after that it’s anyone’s guess. Whatever lies in store for Woody and Buzz, it can be expected to be an adventure packed with enough tears to fill Niagara Falls and enough laughs to give Monstropolis a lifelong energy boost. For those reasons, I think it’s safe to say that Toy Story 3 could be pretty spectacular, even by Pixar standards.
Image copyright Disney/Pixar.
Related BlakeOnline articles:
Disney Talk - Toys "R" Back (posted April 8, 2009)
By Blake; posted December 22, 2009. All images copyright Disney/Pixar.
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