Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is a phenomenal unicorn of a film. What does that mean? The answer lies deep within the sordid history of cinema, specifically that part covering movie sequels. Ask yourself this question: How often is a Hollywood franchise’s second act on par with (or even better than) the original? Rarely, but there's a few. Now, up the ante on this game: Can you name a third film in a series — ANY third film — that was the equal to or greater than the original? Drawing a blank, right? Because there is no answer — until now. Toy Story 3 is the mythical unicorn at play in a field of ponies.
This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2010.