Toy Story 3 - discussion guide

Summary

The end of Toy Story 2 saw Andy's toys - Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the gang - make peace with the knowledge that their beloved owner would one day grow up and leave them behind. But in Toy Story 3, that remote future prospect has become the alarming reality. Andy (John Morris) is off to college, and after a string of mishaps, his toys are accidentally donated to the innocuously-named Sunnyside Daycare Centre.

Presided over by the strawberry-scented Lotso Huggin' Bear (Ned Beatty), Sunnyside seems at first like toy heaven. But when a creepy conspiracy comes to light, Woody's gang stage a daring prison break. Their adventure takes them to darker places than ever before as they struggle, for the last time, to find their way back to Andy.

Background

Toy Story 3 is the final film in the classic franchise, which began back in 1995. Using then-groundbreaking computer animation techniques, the film told the story of a cowboy doll's jealousy at being supplanted by a flashy space toy. The film was an instant hit, managing to charm children by breathing life into the popular fantasy that toys come alive when nobody is in the room, but also having enough poignancy and knowing humour to please adults and critics too. Toy Story 2, which followed in 1999, introduced the world to Jessie the yodelling cowgirl (Joan Cusack), and proved with its extravagant critical acclaim that sequels can sometimes top the original.

A third Toy Story film was developed independently by Disney during the 2004 Disney/Pixar split. But the plot for this film, which involved Buzz being shipped to a factory in Taiwan, was abandoned when the two studios reconciled. Fifteen years after the original, the third film has moved with the times, utilising 3D and IMAX technology. It has also, however, been highly praised for retaining the same engaging characters, high storytelling standards and sheer entertainment value as its predecessors.

Questions for Discussion

N.B. These questions are designed primarily for a children's discussion. Toy Story 3 appeals to a very broad age range, and as such some of these questions may need to be omitted or adjusted. Please tailor this guide using your knowledge of the group.

1. Did you enjoy the film? Which bits were the funniest/scariest? Which character was your favourite and why?

2. Why were Woody and the others worried at the beginning? Have you ever been lost or left behind somewhere? How did it feel?

3. What is your favourite toy? What kind of games do you like playing most? What do you imagine might happen to your toys when you grow up?

4. What do you find exciting about the thought of growing up? Is there anything that scares you?

5. Did you think that Sunnyside was a nice place at the start? Were you surprised when Lotso turned out to be bad? Why do you think he is like that?

6. Lotso believes that nobody cares about toys, but Woody knows that Andy loves him. Who helps you to feel loved and cared for?

7. How did you feel when the toys were heading towards the fire at the end? Did you think it was going to be a sad ending? How did you feel when they were rescued?

8. In the end, Andy decides to give his toys to Bonnie. Do you think the toys will be happy there? Have you ever had to move house or move schools? How can making new friends and changes in life be good?

9. Andy says that Woody is special because he never gives up and he's always there for you. What do you think makes a good friend? How might God be a good friend to have?

10. You know the LORD is God!
    He created us,
    and we belong to him; 
    we are his people, 
    the sheep in his pasture. (Psalm 100:3)
    
    How does this Bible verse make you feel? Do you believe that God loves and cares about you? 

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