Toy Story 3 (part 2)

On Friday night, I drove Jon, Matt, and I over to see the much anticipated Toy Story 3.

Because I just got my license, I was eager to get on the road. Graciously, Jon threw me the keys and told me that I could drive Sr. Gerald (his precious golden Cadillac). At first I refused and said he could drive. But Jon, not being fooled in the least, told me he knew that I wanted to, and insisted that I drive. Well, of course I gladly accepted.

Climbing into the driver's seat, I turned the key and tried to adjust the seat. You must understand, Jon has very long legs... and I definitely do not.
I could hardly reach the peddles with my short, little legs -- he was laughing at me. It didn't help that the seat did not move very far forward.
Determined to drive, I sprawled myself out on the seat (kids, don't try this at home), and drove us all [safely] to NCG. It was a great drive.

When we arrived, the place was mobbed — the line for Toy Story 3 was at least a mile long. At that moment, Matt and Jon both thanked me for pre-ordering our tickets.

Putting on our snazzy 3D glasses, we sat down in the theatre and prepared ourselves for a great movie. Jon, Matt, and I all grew-up with Toy Story, and even though they're apparently "children's movies," we opted to go after the two youngsters went to sleep.  Shhh! Don't tell them -- they're still completely oblivious.

First off, I must say, Pixar really amped the volume up in this movie. Holy Smokes! I laughed so hard, tears came to my eyes multiple times. The plot took many, many twists, and our beloved toys took many unexpected adventures.

At one point during the movie, I leaned over and asked Jon if this was really a little kids movie — there was definitely a little darkness, not gonna lie.
It was probably better that my little, three year-old brother and eight year-old sister didn't see it (just to be on the safe side). Big Baby staring at the moonlight, and the burning pit of fire definitely added suspense.

Overall, it was great. And anything scary was always counteracted with something funny and/or heart-warming.
I laughed especially hard when Buzz was reset in spanish mode, trying to win Jessie's heart. Barbie and Ken also turned out to be a really funny couple... Ken and his "Dream House."
Through it all though, Woody remains my favorite — he is such an endearing little toy. With his loyalty, wit, charm, and cowboyish-ness, what's not to love?

When the movie ended, I honestly expected to be left with a feeling of sadness. You know, because Andy was going away to college. But I actually wasn't -- the ending left me feeling nostalgic and hopeful. This was good because I really don't like to leave a movie feeling sad.

With references to the last two movies, hilarious lines, old characters going on new adventures, and just the general comedy and tragedy of their situation, Pixar, again, did an excellent job of capturing the Toy Story. 
As far as the lineup of my favorites, I guess I liked the 3rd, 2nd, and then the 1st (for now). But that really was a close shave... and is obviously always liable to change in the future.