AMC – Around the Lens

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 won over the hearts of America with their well-written stories and stacked cast.  Toy Story 3 is currently in production and I have just a few concerns.  John Lasseter, who directed Toy Story and Toy Story 2, is not involved in this project.  Lee Unkrich will be directing Toy Story 3.  His credits include a co-directorship for Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo, as well as editing credit for Toy Story and Toy Story 2 and A Bug’s Life.  Quite the impressive resume, but what made the first two movies of the trilogy so great is still in jeopardy.  Changing directors has long been a dangerous game.  I hope that it pays off.  The writers for this film are also different.  Michael Arndt, who wrote Little Miss Sunshine, is signed on to write the screenplay.

The best thing going for Toy Story 3 is the return of an all-star cast.  Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Woody and Tim Allen is voicing Buzz Lightyear.  Robin Williams is also returning as Wheezy, the squeaky penguin.  Other names include: Joan Cusack, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Keaton and Don Rickles.  The remarkable thing about this project is that the last movie was made over 10 years ago, yet they’ve managed not only to bring back the original cast but also add a few new names as well.

I would urge any family who enjoyed the first two movies to attend, despite my admonitions about the change of director/writers.  An inspirational and touching series like Toy Story deserves our viewing it prior to criticizing it.  The movie is set to release June 18, 2010.