The Toy Stories (1995) (1999) (2010)

It’s hard to imagine that back in 1995 Disney and Pixar knew they were creating a new classic. Fifteen years later and we have a trio of amazing stories filled with genuine heart and authentic characters that everyone (with a soul) connects with. The main characters just happen to be toys and the story very personal.

In the first story, we meet our toys. ‘Old faithful’ a cowboy known as Woody (Tom Hanks) feels threatened when his boy Andy gets space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Intimidated and insecure, Woody takes an immediate dislike to the bells and whistles of Buzz. The film excels on many different levels. But for a babysitting junior high-schooler (me) watching it with her charges, it was funny to them and heartwarming for me. In retrospect, there was and still is an immediate connection to your childhood and those toys you held most dear. The ones that had a special place on the bed when you were told to clean up while the rest when in the box.

Toy Story 2 rolled out in 1999. Skeptical of the sequel—I didn’t see this film until 2000—I shrugged it off as a ‘Disney Pixar money grab’. How very wrong. Again, I was amazed at how emotionally connected I was to this story of toys director by John Lasseter. At 20, you’re not quite old enough for nostalgia, but toys are clearly in the rearview mirror. Still, the storyline of Woody being a collector’s item and being held hostage by one resonated for a time when eBay was at its peak and my brother and I are visiting every Wal-Mart to complete a Star Wars figures collection.

2010 and along comes Toy Story 3. I laughed when friends mentioned ‘crying’ at the film’s climax. My nieces mentioned it being scary. Somewhere between 20 and 30, nostalgia set in. For me, Toy Story 3 is not only another adventure for Buzz, Woody, T-Rex and the Potato Heads it’s a trip down memory lane. It’s revisiting that special bond between a child and their toys. Not all of them—just the special ones. Parents and kids alike will identify with this film on some level. Maybe it's the toys, maybe it is Andy. Regardless, there is something special here, something to be treasured, and something not to be missed.