Lotso.....

[fractal]

Yeah, I definitely agree. I'm glad Pixar avoided that cliche' by having Lotso remain evil. Details like these are what separates Pixar from the competition.

Totally agree!

 

[Sketch105]

Did the movie seem really "adult" to anyone else

Upon first viewing..yes. I thought it was much more dramatic and dark then any other Pixar film to date. Even Toy Story 2, with it's high stakes played most of the "threat" for laughs. However when I saw the movie on a second viewing, I noticed it was quite nicely built with drama and heroics and comedy balancing it. The incinerator scene at the end was still the darkest thing I've seen in ANY film, Pixar or not.

I don't see many Disney type films where characters are quietly holding hands and ready to accept their fate, and that the only importance at that moment is that they'll be together.

I'm tearing up just thinking about it.

 

[fractal]

Upon first viewing..yes. I thought it was much more dramatic and dark then any other Pixar film to date. Even Toy Story 2, with it's high stakes played most of the "threat" for laughs. However when I saw the movie on a second viewing, I noticed it was quite nicely built with drama and heroics and comedy balancing it. The incinerator scene at the end was still the darkest thing I've seen in ANY film, Pixar or not.

I don't see many Disney type films where characters are quietly holding hands and ready to accept their fate, and that the only importance at that moment is that they'll be together.

I'm tearing up just thinking about it.

After viewing I was surprised the movie was rated G. PG seems more appropiate.

 

[Disneyson 1]

I'd say just adjusting the eyebrows on Lotso to "evil" would solve to problem.

 

[Phonedave]

After viewing I was surprised the movie was rated G. PG seems more appropiate.

I think it deserves it's G rating.

It's not overly gory, there is no cursing, no overt sexuality - ken even has on underwear.

It addresses issues that are real issues and I honestly think it does a great service to kids. It presents real issues and real outcomes. Somthing that society today feels the need to insulate kids from.

- Not everyone makes the team
- Not everybody turns out to be nice.
- Somtimes you have to accept your fate. Doing so with quiet dignity and making the best of it is the way to do so, not screaming and flailing around.
_ Somtimes people continue to screw you, no matter how many chances you give them.
- Somtimes you have to move on in life and "put away childish things"
- Somtimes giving something that may mean a lot to you, to somone to whom it means a lot more is the right thing to do.
- Somtimes doing what is right for your friends instead of what is right for you is the way to go.
_ Very often, if you remove the head, the body will die. Or - the actions of the many are governed by the will of the few.

That last one in particular is what my 8 y/o asked about. She asked why did Big Baby and the other toys turn good after they got rid of Lotso. Why didn't they just be good when he was around. That led to an EXCELLENT discussion on groupthink, individuality, standing up for your beliefs, and honor. Also threw the "I'd rather die on my feet than live forever as a slave on my knees" quote in there.

I believe it was very age appropriate and Rated correctly. A very refreshingly honest movie in a time when so many kids films are just fluff. Well written, and also quite full of humorous moments. My only wish, and its a wish, not a complaint, is to have seen a stronger role from Jessie. Both Woody and Buzz were in situations where they could have caved. They could have given up their loyality to their friends for personal gain and comfort, but they instead stood their gound and made the tough choice on their own. Jessie sort of did so, but she did so only with the backing of the group, not on her own. Maybe I an sensitive to this, as I have two young daughters, but young girls have precious few strong independent role models. It's a subtle issue I know, and I don't think it ruins the movie. It's just something I wish I had seen.

-dave

 

[disneypearl]

I wish I would have paid attention to see if he smelled like strawberries, but I didn't know at the time to check for it! And you can find him at HS in the Animation building. :wave:

Thanks!

 

[rodserling27]

I think it deserves it's G rating.

It's not overly gory, there is no cursing, no overt sexuality - ken even has on underwear.

It addresses issues that are real issues and I honestly think it does a great service to kids. It presents real issues and real outcomes. Somthing that society today feels the need to insulate kids from.

- Not everyone makes the team
- Not everybody turns out to be nice.
- Somtimes you have to accept your fate. Doing so with quiet dignity and making the best of it is the way to do so, not screaming and flailing around.
_ Somtimes people continue to screw you, no matter how many chances you give them.
- Somtimes you have to move on in life and "put away childish things"
- Somtimes giving something that may mean a lot to you, to somone to whom it means a lot more is the right thing to do.
- Somtimes doing what is right for your friends instead of what is right for you is the way to go.
_ Very often, if you remove the head, the body will die. Or - the actions of the many are governed by the will of the few.

That last one in particular is what my 8 y/o asked about. She asked why did Big Baby and the other toys turn good after they got rid of Lotso. Why didn't they just be good when he was around. That led to an EXCELLENT discussion on groupthink, individuality, standing up for your beliefs, and honor. Also threw the "I'd rather die on my feet than live forever as a slave on my knees" quote in there.

I believe it was very age appropriate and Rated correctly. A very refreshingly honest movie in a time when so many kids films are just fluff. Well written, and also quite full of humorous moments. My only wish, and its a wish, not a complaint, is to have seen a stronger role from Jessie. Both Woody and Buzz were in situations where they could have caved. They could have given up their loyality to their friends for personal gain and comfort, but they instead stood their gound and made the tough choice on their own. Jessie sort of did so, but she did so only with the backing of the group, not on her own. Maybe I an sensitive to this, as I have two young daughters, but young girls have precious few strong independent role models. It's a subtle issue I know, and I don't think it ruins the movie. It's just something I wish I had seen.

-dave

Excellent, well-thought-out response!! :sohappy: I couldn't agree more about sheltering kids from all that stuff; it's total BS to do so.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I think it deserves it's G rating.

It's not overly gory, there is no cursing, no overt sexuality - ken even has on underwear.

It addresses issues that are real issues and I honestly think it does a great service to kids. It presents real issues and real outcomes. Somthing that society today feels the need to insulate kids from.

- Not everyone makes the team
- Not everybody turns out to be nice.
- Somtimes you have to accept your fate. Doing so with quiet dignity and making the best of it is the way to do so, not screaming and flailing around.
_ Somtimes people continue to screw you, no matter how many chances you give them.
- Somtimes you have to move on in life and "put away childish things"
- Somtimes giving something that may mean a lot to you, to somone to whom it means a lot more is the right thing to do.
- Somtimes doing what is right for your friends instead of what is right for you is the way to go.
_ Very often, if you remove the head, the body will die. Or - the actions of the many are governed by the will of the few.

That last one in particular is what my 8 y/o asked about. She asked why did Big Baby and the other toys turn good after they got rid of Lotso. Why didn't they just be good when he was around. That led to an EXCELLENT discussion on groupthink, individuality, standing up for your beliefs, and honor. Also threw the "I'd rather die on my feet than live forever as a slave on my knees" quote in there.

I believe it was very age appropriate and Rated correctly. A very refreshingly honest movie in a time when so many kids films are just fluff. Well written, and also quite full of humorous moments. My only wish, and its a wish, not a complaint, is to have seen a stronger role from Jessie. Both Woody and Buzz were in situations where they could have caved. They could have given up their loyality to their friends for personal gain and comfort, but they instead stood their gound and made the tough choice on their own. Jessie sort of did so, but she did so only with the backing of the group, not on her own. Maybe I an sensitive to this, as I have two young daughters, but young girls have precious few strong independent role models. It's a subtle issue I know, and I don't think it ruins the movie. It's just something I wish I had seen.

-dave

Absolutely agree. What makes this film especially brilliant is that it doesn't pander to its audience. Kids will surprise with their intelligence and maturity if you don't dumb it down for them.

Upon first viewing..yes. I thought it was much more dramatic and dark then any other Pixar film to date. Even Toy Story 2, with it's high stakes played most of the "threat" for laughs. However when I saw the movie on a second viewing, I noticed it was quite nicely built with drama and heroics and comedy balancing it. The incinerator scene at the end was still the darkest thing I've seen in ANY film, Pixar or not.

I don't see many Disney type films where characters are quietly holding hands and ready to accept their fate, and that the only importance at that moment is that they'll be together.

I'm tearing up just thinking about it.

The incinerator sequence is one of the most touching and brilliant sequences in ANY film, animated or not. It will most certainly go down as one of the most poignant sequences in film history.

And for what it's worth, and I know we're a ways away, but I'm beginning to feel like this will be the first animated film to capture the Best Picture Academy Award (at this point, the Animated Feature Oscar is all but engraved).

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

I had a fisher price chatter phone when I was a kid!

Toy Story 3 reminded me of "The Brave Little Toaster". That movie was a dark movie with adult tones, but it was an excellent, thought-provoking film. I know John Lasseter worked on it. I would love to see that movie given the Pixar treatment, but perhaps kept in the 1980s (as the book and movie were). I wouldn't be against having it updated, but the movie would become so outdated tech wise in a couple of years, that letting it take place in the 80s would make it "classic".

 

[Phonedave]

The incinerator sequence is one of the most touching and brilliant sequences in ANY film, animated or not.

Yes, very much so. The only thing that detracted from it is that you knew they were going to escape somehow. The movie was not going to end with all of the key toys 'dead' and some sort of requiem from the surviving Barbie.

If it had been just 3 or 4 of the toys, maybe Buzz, Jessie, and the Potato Heads, then it would have been even more impactful, as it would have been plausable for them to die and the movie continue on.

Having the entire group there does have it's merits, as it does show the core support the entire team has for each other, and the fact the ever-hopeful never-say-die Woody finally was resolved to his fate makes it even more poignant. I’m not sure which way I would have gone with the scene if it was my choice – The entire team, or a sub-set. Both versions have their merits and flaws.

I do know that the more I think about this film, the more I like it. Really a very well done story, the fact that it uses toys as opposed to people does not lessen the impact.

-dave

 

[afr117]

I haven't seen the film yet, but it was a Chatter Phone at Target that tipped me off that Lotso may not be exactly who he appears to be on the outside.

 

[fractal]

i haven't seen the film yet, but it was a chatter phone at target that tipped me off that lotso may not be exactly who he appears to be on the outside.

very funny! :ROFLOL:

 

[fractal]

I think it deserves it's G rating.

It's not overly gory, there is no cursing, no overt sexuality - ken even has on underwear.

It addresses issues that are real issues and I honestly think it does a great service to kids. It presents real issues and real outcomes. Somthing that society today feels the need to insulate kids from.

- Not everyone makes the team
- Not everybody turns out to be nice.
- Somtimes you have to accept your fate. Doing so with quiet dignity and making the best of it is the way to do so, not screaming and flailing around.
_ Somtimes people continue to screw you, no matter how many chances you give them.
- Somtimes you have to move on in life and "put away childish things"
- Somtimes giving something that may mean a lot to you, to somone to whom it means a lot more is the right thing to do.
- Somtimes doing what is right for your friends instead of what is right for you is the way to go.
_ Very often, if you remove the head, the body will die. Or - the actions of the many are governed by the will of the few.

That last one in particular is what my 8 y/o asked about. She asked why did Big Baby and the other toys turn good after they got rid of Lotso. Why didn't they just be good when he was around. That led to an EXCELLENT discussion on groupthink, individuality, standing up for your beliefs, and honor. Also threw the "I'd rather die on my feet than live forever as a slave on my knees" quote in there.

I believe it was very age appropriate and Rated correctly. A very refreshingly honest movie in a time when so many kids films are just fluff. Well written, and also quite full of humorous moments. My only wish, and its a wish, not a complaint, is to have seen a stronger role from Jessie. Both Woody and Buzz were in situations where they could have caved. They could have given up their loyality to their friends for personal gain and comfort, but they instead stood their gound and made the tough choice on their own. Jessie sort of did so, but she did so only with the backing of the group, not on her own. Maybe I an sensitive to this, as I have two young daughters, but young girls have precious few strong independent role models. It's a subtle issue I know, and I don't think it ruins the movie. It's just something I wish I had seen.

-dave

I agree with everything you say regarding the attributes of the movie - but thought some of the scenes where intense enough to warrant a PG ( like pending incineration of the entire gang) based on the definitions for the ratings...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rating symbolMeaning[2]

G- General Audiences (1968–present) All ages admitted

PG- Parental Guidance Suggested (1972–present) Some material may not be suitable for children

PG-13- Parents Strongly Cautioned (1984–present) Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13

R- Restricted (1968–present) Under 17 requires accompanying by a parent or adult guardian



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The one thing that makes my doubt my opinion is that it is shared by several movie critics.

 

[jmpresney]

Yes, very much so. The only thing that detracted from it is that you knew they were going to escape somehow. The movie was not going to end with all of the key toys 'dead' and some sort of requiem from the surviving Barbie.

If it had been just 3 or 4 of the toys, maybe Buzz, Jessie, and the Potato Heads, then it would have been even more impactful, as it would have been plausable for them to die and the movie continue on.

Having the entire group there does have it's merits, as it does show the core support the entire team has for each other, and the fact the ever-hopeful never-say-die Woody finally was resolved to his fate makes it even more poignant. I’m not sure which way I would have gone with the scene if it was my choice – The entire team, or a sub-set. Both versions have their merits and flaws.

I do know that the more I think about this film, the more I like it. Really a very well done story, the fact that it uses toys as opposed to people does not lessen the impact.

-dave

I really don't think that the point of the scene was to make you wonder if they were going to escape or not. I think that pixar is smart enough to realize that only the small children in the audience are going to be fooled into thinking that the toys will burn. I think the real point of the scene was completely character based. When faced with the threat of impending death, the toys come to terms with their mortality and realize that through it all they have each other. From that standpoint, the scene sums up the theme of the entire series. Since the first film, the question of mortality has been raised over and over in varying ways. Whether it's what happens when Andy stops caring about the toys, the promise of being immortal in a museum, etc.; every one of the films mirrors our own human struggle with death and being remembered. Here, in the film, they finally address it head on - the toys are no longer faced with being shelved or being forgotten, they're faced with literal death. Their willingness to accept it comes from their love of each other and the resulting value they have found in life because of it. The same message carries through the film with Andy. Even though they have to leave him, their life with him was no less valuable because he loved them and they loved him. Sorry - I'm pontificating a little here - but ultimately I think the actual threat of death (although technically the climax) is little more than a prop in the scene.

Either way - what a beautiful scene it was. :sohappy:

 

[MillerPoppins]

I am sooo glad I was not the only one bawling like a baby at the end of that movie! It was like the end of an era...I just don't think the ending could have been anymore moving or heartfelt...

Speaking of moving, did anyone else notice that at the beginning, during the train scene, the number on the front of the locomotive was 95? I figured that was a nod to when Toy Story 1 came out and started it all. That was in the first 2 minutes and I almost cried then because I just thought that was such a cool thing to do

I love that Pixar always does little things like that. Like, Lightning McQueen's number is 95. Or in the scene of Monster's Inc when Boo goes back to her room..she has the ball from Toy Story, a Jesse doll and then a Nemo.

I was so excited going into this movie. I told my 6 year old niece who was sitting next to me, "I have been waiting for this since before you were born"! I'm so happy it was as wonderful as it was. I completely loved it. Lotso Bear is awful, but I had a feeling he was going to be bad. Every movie needs a villan! But I may too kick him in the shin!

I did cry at the end and got very emotional when they all held hands. My mom kept saying outloud "They can't end it like this!". The Toy Story movies have been a favorite of mine since they came out and I'm thrilled with how well they wrapped it up. Way to go Pixar..you did it again!

 

[need2go2wdw]

I love that Pixar always does little things like that. Like, Lightning McQueen's number is 95. Or in the scene of Monster's Inc when Boo goes back to her room..she has the ball from Toy Story, a Jesse doll and then a Nemo.

I was so excited going into this movie. I told my 6 year old niece who was sitting next to me, "I have been waiting for this since before you were born"! I'm so happy it was as wonderful as it was. I completely loved it. Lotso Bear is awful, but I had a feeling he was going to be bad. Every movie needs a villan! But I may too kick him in the shin!

I did cry at the end and got very emotional when they all held hands. My mom kept saying outloud "They can't end it like this!". The Toy Story movies have been a favorite of mine since they came out and I'm thrilled with how well they wrapped it up. Way to go Pixar..you did it again!

Yes, I love the choice of Lightning's number and the toys in Boo's room too...it's just awesome, the little touches that make you smile

And I bet Lotso is going to have quite a few shin bruises over the next couple of months...I'd hate to be the CM in that costume.... :ROFLOL: