Discussing
Why Kids Deserve ‘Toy Story 3’

While I totally agree that the majority of films for kids are pandering junk and that so many quality films (like those you listed) are slipping through the cracks....I don't think those cracks are being filled by "Marmaduke" or "Furry Vengeance". Both of those films are failures, in every way possible actually. Critics despised them (or didn't bother) and hardly anyone went to see them. Why? Cuz they looked awful! I dion't know anyone who saw these movies unless they had to. (critics, reviewers or torture victims).

So, are parents REALLY taking their kids to these movies where people act (and look) stupid and talking animals know better? Really? I know you know what a "good bad" movie is and I know you also know something we've all heard before....it all comes down to the parents.

Now, that statement has it's age limits, meaning if a 10 yr. old has it in his head that he must see Brendan Fraser trapped in a port-a-potty as a victim of "Furry Vengeance", then I'm sure he'd find someone to take him. But for the most part, certainly for younger children, it is up to the parents to expose their children to quality entertainment that would be most suitable and beneficial for them. Why would you expose your child to "Marmaduke" when "Ponyo" is much more engaging (not to mention intelligent and creative)? Much of this has to do with a lack of knowledge....some parents just don't know. Another reason could be parents just giving in without a thought to what cinamatic bile awaits them.

I think it's important to remember that, up to a certain age, your child wants to do what you do....so if you prefer "Up" over "G-Force" then they will too.

Do we really want to train our children to lower their expectations early on in life? Shouldn't we help them to notice and understand quality films and always navigate toward such films? Or is this film enthusiast dad just coming across like a film snob?

If the answer is "yes" to that last question....my response is "I don't care". My daughter (soon to be age 4) loves Miyazaki (even though she doesn't know who he is) and all things Pixar and it makes me happy that I've done my best to expose her to quality entertainment. In time, she will be exposed to theatrical dung but until then, I can help build a solid foundation, just as my wife and I are helping to build a solid spiritual foundation for her.

What also applies here are having our own standards in place as parents. Our daughter expects when a commercial or a scene from "Family Guy" or "The Simpsons" is displayed on TV it won't be there long. And if it is, she's quick to say, "We don't watch that." Early on, children will accept that there are things that they aren't allowed to participate in. My daughter has never missed these or other cartoons which I feel are a bit "too much" for her. She trusts our judgment in not just cartoons but other commercials or programs. She's not before a TV too long anyway but while she is, we know what she's watching.

Too often, parents really don't care about to what TV, music, movies or other media their children are exposed because the goal is often to "get the child occupied." In fact, these are crucial times to know what content they are consuming.

Also, I'm thankful for sites such as Plugged In for offering movie reviews that break down a movie so my wife and I can judge if it's something that our daughter needs to see.

Being a parent, like being a disciple, isn't easy but it's always rewarding and a great journey.

All things aside, the creators of the "Toy Story" series are pure genius. Not only are these films thoroughly engaging for children, but they are right up there on my "All-Time Favorites" list, as well! I still laugh out loud while watching the first two. But what I find the most endearing about the "Toy Story" movies is what seems like true dedication to a timeline: my son Dylan, who still has his "Woody" doll--complete with his name enscripted on the boot bottom--is now going off to college. Just watching the trailer, I began to well up with tears. I remembered how my son would watch the videos over and over again, going to bed with Woody at his side. And now, once again, he can see "Toy Story 3" and identify with Andy...a character he literally grew up with. How thoughtful of the creators! If "Toy Story 3" had come out five years ago, it would not have the impact on my family as it does today. And that makes Pixar amazing in my book!
By the way, we have not seen the movie yet, but are going as a family next week when we take our annual vacation to Lake George, NY. I thoroughly look forward to this day, and know it will be a highlight of our trip!

Good points. We could ask the same questions of adult movies. Pixar is a phenomenal company for seeming to insist on excellence in terms of the basics of story.

I think the reason we subject ourselves to the slop that is poured out, and subject our kids to the slop targeted their way is the sloth with which we approach popular entertainment. We want to escape so we'll subject ourselves to whatever. I watched 2 hours of "Wipeout" last night with the kids. We usually plop the kids in front of their slop because we want to be free of them for a bit.

Pixar deserves their commendations and the financial rewards they reap for having the courage to make just a few movies and to craft them well.

I heard a great reminder: rated "G" does not mean it's for kids, but that it's for "G"eneral audiences. Everyone. The trip about Pixar is that they don't make kids movies, and they've said they don't many animated movies—animation is just the medium. They make stellar movies, full stop. Anyone can enjoy them because they deal with the human condition—and, unlike many other movies that do so, provide an optimistic resolution. This is why the world deserves "Toy Story 3", because the world is thirsty for this hope.

I have a hard time believing that people set out to make a movie that sucks.  The truth is - not everybody can reach the standard of whoever is setting the standard.

I'd like to believe the same thing Xioc1138, but unfortunately Hollywood is often a business first, especially when it comes to kids' flicks. And when that's the case, concerns other than artistic quality often come first. Just look at Cars 2, from the previously perfect Pixar (of Toy Story). I'm convinced the main reason the movie was made was to further one of their most merchandise-friendly properties. The picture was nowhere near the quality of other Pixar films, but it sold a lot of toy cars.