When Toy Story 3 made it to the big screen in 2010, it was instantly hailed by many as a perfect conclusion to the emotional arc of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the remaining gang. At the same time, it represented a new chapter for the ever-popular ensemble, and eventually opened the doors for other stories into the next decade. So imagine the original voice cast's delight when they got the chance to reprise their respective roles (with the exception of at least one) in not one, but three theatrical shorts, followed by two television specials.
Hawaiian Vacation (2011)
Beginning in 2011, Woody and company worked together to give Barbie and Ken their dream trip to Hawaii. Director Gary Rydstrom and his team succeeded in giving each character a moment to shine--and all within the span of five minutes--including a reappearance by "Spanish Buzz." (Played before Cars 2 in theaters in 2011.)
Small Fry (2011)
An egocentric Happy Meal version of Buzz switches places with the real one during a visit to a local fast food restaurant. The real Buzz eventually stumbles into a support group for discarded kid's meal playthings, a side of toys we've never seen on screen before. Director Angus Maclane was influenced by his family's background in human psychology, and it gives the short its own distinct identity and strength. Arguably the best of the Toy Story shorts. (Played before The Muppets in theaters in 2011.)
Partysaurus Rex (2012)
The last of these theatrical shorts put Rex the timid dinosaur front and center (and for the first time since, maybe, the 1999 sequel) as he encountered a collection of bath toys who use the house tub as a neon-lit, sud-soaked dance party. Directed by Mark Walsh, this wild short also shows how insecurities and the need for acceptance can get the best of us if we're not careful. (Played before the 3D re-released of Finding Nemo in theaters--and in eye-popping 3D.)
Toy Story of Terror (2013)
One of two made-for-TV specials that premiered on the ABC Network, this clever homage to Alfred Hitchcock (and other classic horror-thrillers from the early-20th Century) finds Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr. Potato Head, Trixie, Mr. Pricklepants, and Rex travelling with Bonnie to a small motel where things go bump in the night. This installment (from Small Fry director Angus Maclane) marked the first physical appearance of the G.I Joe-esque Combat Carl (who was only referenced in the 1995 original movie), and a stroke-of-genius casting choice for actor Carl Weathers (also a parody of the veteran actor's role from Predator?). And while it recalls certain elements from the first two films (i.e., Sid's bedroom, Al's the greedy toy collector), Toy Story of Terror takes the series in a clever and thrilling new direction, all while keeping its themes of courage and determination intact and worthwhile.
Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014)
The same goes for this "time-travelling" adventure, in which Bonnie's creative imagination gives Trixie the triceratops a major role, while Bonnie visits a friend during the holidays. The main gang soon find themselves in a giant prehistoric playset (think Land of the Lost-meets-The Dark Crystal) of delusional dinosaur action figures. Directed by Steve Purcell, this special shines a light on the difference between screen time and playtime, as well as characters being more than they think they are.
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