Jim's "Go or Don't Go" - Toy Story 3

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers.

Carrie will attest that I have an age-inappropriate fixation for Buzz Lightyear. I own various Buzz lightyear action figures, a Buzz Lightyear radio, a Buzz Lightyear poster ... you get the point. I even have several photos with him. Needless to say that I have been anxiously awaiting Toy Story 3.

It's hard to imagine that it's been over 10 years since the last Toy Story sequel. Wow - lot has changed in the world since then, so it was nice to see these familiar characters on screen again in a brand new, and final, (we'll see about that) adventure.

Toy Story 3 picks up with the toys' owner, Andy, now 17, getting ready to head off to college. His room needs to be packed up of course, which means an uncertain future for the Woody and friends. Andy intends to take Woody to college with him, and leave Buzz and the rest of the toys packed up in storage in the attic. Through a mix-up, the gang ends up being pitched to the curb and ultimately being donated to the nearby Sunnyside Daycare Center.

At first, Sunnyside seems like a great gig for the toys, but it turns out to be a torturous toy prison run by a bitter old teddy bear named Lotso. A good part of the film is a clever and exciting prison break spoof, with Woody trying to lead the everyone back home before Andy leaves for college. We are also introduced to several new characters at Sunnyside, including Ken & Barbie, who do a good bit of scene-stealing.

I wouldn't have anticipated that an animated movie about plastic toys can deal with concepts of change and mortality so vividly. We see the Toy Story gang brought face to face with the end of their existence, a "toy hell" if you will, in a very dramatic and heart-wrenching scene. As an illustrator, I was blown away with the depiction of emotion and sensitivity that Pixar's animators are able to instill into the these charactors. Warning: Bring plenty of Kleenex. I know that these are just plastic toys that we are talking about here, but they are are real as any character in any movie, live action or otherwise. Pixar carries on a rich Disney tradition of making movies that are not just great films for kids, but just flat-out great films.

I was exhausted after this movie. The action seeemed to be non-stop, and I feel like I need to see it again to catch many of the film's details. I was concerned that the story's resolution wouldn't be up to snuff, as so often is the case with a sequel, but the film's final scene is both heart wrenching and satisfying. Fear not, the toys are in good hands.

#3's in a trilogy can be tricky - think Spiderman or Godfather, but Toy Story 3 was better than I had hoped or expected. I say "Go."

Three nights, Three concerts

Jim Here...

This weekend was a perfect storm of musical convergences. An annual Pittsburgh event, and a visit from singer/songwriter friend from back in the day made for a great weekend of music.

The Three Rivers Arts Festival always features a long and varied list of performers, and there is usually at least one or two acts that we try to check out. Friday evening's main act on the Point State Park stage was Kris Kristofferson. Although many may know him for his acting, he originally found his fame as a songwriter and performer in the late 60s and early 70s. He has written some pretty big hits, including "Me and Bobby McGee", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," as well as many more made famous by other performers.

Now 74, he is one of those artists that I thought I should see before I miss the chance. I had expected him to be with a full band, but it was just him, his guitar and a harmonica. His vocals aren't what they used to be, but his lyrics and performance were genuine, despite the imperfections. It was a very intimate and casual performance, as he made several jokes about his singing, playing, and getting older. I'm not that familiar with a lot of his material, but listening to his lyrics, I was struck by the honesty of his songs. I was glad we made the trip downtown.

On Saturday, we hopped in the car and drove to Allison Park to attend a Jason Harrod house concert. The house concert is just what the name implies - a performer comes to your house, plays and sings, and you get as many people as you can to show up and pay to see the performer. We actually hosted a Jason Harrod concert a few years ago at our old house, and this was the first time he's been back to the Pittsburgh area.

Jason is a singer/songwriter originally from North Carolina, and now based in Brooklyn, traveling to various venues all of the country. Once part of a successful duo, he has been a solo act since 1996 and has won several bluegrass/folk competitions, including the Chris Austin Songwriting competition.

Jason played for about two hours, playing new and old songs, and taking requests. A faithful following of about 20 fans filled the living and dining room at the host's home. If you ever get a chance to attend a house concert, I strongly suggest you go. It's wonderful way to see live music. Speaking of music, check out Jason's at http://www.jasonharrod.com/.

We wrapped up the weekend back at Point State Park for Patty Griffin. She is probably one of the best singer's that you may never have heard of. She's never had a breakthrough mainstream hit, but she has written a ton of great songs, and I could listen to her sing all day. Her new album is heavily flavored with straight-up gospel and blues, and I enjoyed hearing the new stuff. She was backed with a great band, and as usual, was in fine voice.

Ipods are great, but there is nothing like seeing live music. It gets into your heart and head in a way that ear buds will never do. Sometimes an overblown concert spectacle is fun, but seeing artists perform their songs live, with just a guitar and their voice, is one of the purest ways to enjoy a show.

Piano Progress- 16 months in

Still plugging away with lessons every other week... Here's one of my favorite Beatles songs, 'Here, There and Everywhere'