Toy Story 3 (2010)

I am stepping into potentially dangerous territory here--I am going to apply plot analysis and psychological structure to a children's movie--but truthfully, the best of animated film making stands up far better to this sort of analysis than do most dramas produced for adult consumption.
First and foremost, I loved this movie--it was enormously entertaining, the script is phenomenal, and it is the best of the trilogy. Woody continues to be the central character, and while there are other strong players (Jessie and Buzz to be sure) they do not play anything more than a supporting role. That is probably the weakest part of the whole film for my taste. Especially when it comes to a lack of strength in female role models. There are new additions that are welcome. My favourite new toys are probably most of the ones at Bonnie's house; Mr Pricklepants (who explains their theatrical philosophy, and asks Woody if he is classically trained), Trixie (the tricerotops, who get's on well with other dinosaur Rex), Chuckles the clown (who is decidedly not chuckling), Kawaii unicorn Buttercup, and even Hayao Miyazaki's Totoro from Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro makes an appearance.

The script is front and center. The screenwriting genre is the 8 sequence Hero's Journey. First the catalyst sets the hero in motion--Andy is going to college. What does the future hold for his beloved toys with him not only growing up, but leaving home. Woody very doggedly assures everyone that they are going to the attic, which appears to be Andy's intention, but something goes awry. Then the Act 1 ender--a surprising development that changes the hero's perspective--maybe what happened isn't so bad afterall? That is followed by a reminder of the central conflict, and at the midpoint, something happens that changes the story--Woody suddenly realizes the mistake that he has made. Then we go back to a reminder of what the central conflict is, which leads to a turning point, a showdown, and a resolution. The formula holds for the movie, but it is seamlessly performed and a thing of beauty to watch. Bravo!