“So long, partner.” – Toy Story 3 (2010)
It’s never easy saying goodbye to somebody we love. The toys in Andy’s room served up some of our greatest childhood memories; the ideas that our “play things” come to life when we step out is both awe-inspiring and magical; it’s what makes the Toy Story movies fun to watch for kids, and it’s exactly why I’m sure most of my friends and I will sit in the theaters with a mob of children to watch the new one.
These characters – Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head, etc. – were our childhoods; they act as our rosebuds of sorts. And when Toy Story 3 was released, we were on the brink of tears as a ninja onion attacked us (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). Andy is heading off to college, and by the end of the film, he’s given away all of his toys to one little girl. In her hands are Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, Rex, the Potato Heads, pretty much everyone – that is, except for Woody. The little girl finds the Cowboy in Andy’s give away box, not in his college box (much to Andy’s surprise). She goes to reach for him and Andy hesitates. Woody is his favorite toy, always has been. But he gives in, and hands the Sheriff over to her; he’ll stay with the rest of the gang.
This is goodbye. Andy engages in some play time with the girl; it’s his last time. They have fun, and even though the toys are in their immobile state, they understand what’s happening (if you’re under 18 and not balling by this point, what is wrong with you?). Soon enough, Andy gets in his car to leave. He turns and says thanks to the toys who have brought him so much joy before he drives away. The toys sit up and see him off; it’s the beginning of a new era and as our view moves upwards to the sky, the clouds are shaped the same way they were painted on Andy’s wall.
