Toy Story 3: What happens when the boy is too old for his toys?

On July 21st, the third instalment in the Disney Toy Story franchise will hit UK cinemas. Familiar faces like Woody, Buzz Lightyear and a host of their friends will once again adorn big screens the length and breadth of the country. Toy Story 3 is arguably the most eagerly-anticipated film of 2010 and at its heart is a simple premise: what happens to the toys when children grow up?

It is a situation that almost all parents will inevitably find themselves in at some point, usually when they begin an emotional sort through the accumulated toys and games of a childhood now spent. The notion certainly struck a chord among US and Canadian audiences, where the film has been lauded by critics and watched in vast numbers since its release in the middle of June.

Disney Pixar’s genius however lies in telling the story from the point of view of the toys. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends must adapt to a new way of life now that their owner Andy is 17 and ready to leave home to move to university. What does the future hold for the toys, whose single desire is to be enjoyed and played with by their owner?

What follows is a fantastic romp through this defining moment in any child’s life. The toys are thrust into an adventure which will change them forever and sees them encounter a host of brand new characters, all of which give Toy Story 3 an added level of depth, humour and intrigue. Ned Beatty is wonderfully paradoxical as the sinister Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear - Lotso for short - and Michael Keaton is outstanding in proving that there is more to Barbie’s husband Ken than simply being an attractive, but vapid, fashion accessory for the blonde haired superstar!

Returning for Toy Story 3 are Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with many of the supporting cast from the first two films also returning to the roles they first played 15 years ago. Thankfully, this includes the excellent John Ratzenberger, whose immediately recognisable, meandering, laconic tones give Hamm the piggy bank such depth and provide a hilarious, sardonic counterbalance to Buzz’s cheerily relentless optimism.

In short, director Lee Unkrich and executive producer John Lasseter have once again recaptured the magic that made Toy Story and Toy Story 2 such global hits.

Following the release of the first two films on a special edition 3D Toy Story DVD, it is no surprise to learn that Toy Story 3 will be shown in 3D in selected cinemas, giving fans an absorbing new way to enjoy and become part of the experience. Furthermore, Toy Story 3 will be the first film to showcase brand new Dolby 7.1 surround sound to further enhance the audience's pleasure.

However, despite the great leaps in technical innovation, the real Disney Toy Story appeal lies in the wonderful characters, engaging storylines and the simple premise of a boy and his toys. Witnessing the heartfelt culmination of this incredible story in Toy Story 3 may just be the highlight of your summer!