Toy Story 3: Why you need to see it

The majority of people can't wait to see what Buzz, Woody and pals get up to in this latest installment, I was no different.

Toy Story is a special franchise, loaded with thrills, excitement and a plethora of emotions that grip children from the moment they start watching.

But it is also a franchise that reaches out to adults. Over the years the films have bonded with parents through their children's enjoyment of the films and for some new parents these were special films for them growing up too. After all it is 14 years since the first one.

Toy Story 3 captures that rare perfection of sequels being as good if not better than the originals.

The animation has now reached such a level that it doesn't even feel like animation anymore, it is the ultimate candy for the eyes backed up by a fantastic and profound script and the abiliy to really capure the imagination of the audience.

The thing that struck me about Toy Story 3 is that in no sense of the word was it lazy. The quality on offer is second-to-none.

All those years ago Toy Story revolutionalized cartoons, Pixar set a benchmark for others to follow and whilst some of caught up none have got close to the package on offer by Pixar.

It is standard now for films to be shot in 3D, this isn't one of those 3D films where everything seems to be jumping out at you, it is subtle, elegant and really effective in the way it adds depth to the picture.

Even Avatar didn't do it as well as this.

The plot itself has everything you need, drama, villains, heros, tears, laughter and more than it's fair share of references to old Pixar films and classic movies.

For example there are scenes lifted straight out of Cool Hand Luke and Star Wars that adults wil delight in.

A lot has been said about the film being sad, there were people with lumps in there throat or in our party a couple of females reaching for the tissues, but the youngest member of the family Lily aged 4 was in awe of the film and never stopped smiling.

There are some great comic turns in the film for Ken and his Dream House, Spanish Buzz and Mr Potato Head and for me the humour always revolved around bringing these toys to life in such funny ways.

I think I could have done without the rather sinister baby and the clapping monkey though!

All in all this is great entertainment for all of the family and deserves to go down in history as a quality ending to a quality franchise.

These films should be remembered for being pioneering, full of warmth and invention and fully deserving of the term 'classic'

As much an adults film as a kids film and one that will be watched and loved the world over. In times when things are so wrong in the world it's nice to experience something so right.

It may only be a cartoon, but for those who have watched them it is so much more than that. It is many levels to appeal to a lot of people from different walks of life - that in itself is genius if you can pull it off.

We went to see the film at the IMAX theatre in Birmingham at Millenium Point. The combination of Pixar and monster screen just worked so well and provided a visual and audio experience that is second-to none.

Details on booking tickets for the IMAX here - http://www.imax.ac/page.asp?section=697§ionTitle=TOY+STORY+3%3A+The+IMAX+3D+Experience

The IMAX is working with Birmingham Children's Hospital on a Donate a Toy Appeal. Every year, over 225,000 sick children from across the UK are treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

* Visitors to IMAX Cinema are asked to bring with them on their visit, any new or unwanted toys that are still in their original packaging (the hospital cannot accept second hand toys due to infection risks). At the end of the summer, these toys will be given to the children in the hospital. Children aged 0 - 16 are treated in the hospital, and all new toys and games will be gratefully received. For more information about the hospital's latest fundraising appeal,