THE toys are back in town this week with the release of Pixar's trilogy closer Toy Story 3.
With owner Andy preparing to set off for college, faithful cowboy toy Woody (Tom Hanks), his intergalactic space ranger buddy Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang fear a future in the attic - or worse the trash!
But when a packing mix-up sees the toys taken to a children's daycare centre, things are looking positive. However, it doesn't last long.
Out of control kids and a sinister cuddly bear transform the haven into a nightmare.
Can Buzz convince the toys they weren't abandoned and return everyone safely home?
Playtime is not over
Historically, sequels to animated features rarely receive the same critical acclaim as their predecessors. For every Lion King, there is the forgettable straight-to-video Lion King 1½.
But when the CG animating wizards wheeled out the gang of toys for a second dollop of fun in 1999 audiences flocked in their millions for another helping.
Although it's been ten years, play time is certainly not over.
Throwing out moments of slapstick and visual humour with subtle, generation spanning comedic moments, Toy Story 3 marks yet another high-note for the seemingly unstoppable Pixar.
From the imagination led intro through to some genuinely nail-biting epic set pieces, the vocal talents of the eclectic cast twinned with seamless animation bring the toys to life.
3D enhanced
The optional 3D element adds depth to the numerous action sequences, but doesn't rely on any eye-popping elements as a gimmick. Like with all Pixar output, the emphasis is on characters and story.
Fans of the previous two incarnations are going to get far more out of the movie than Toy Story newbies, with a gaggle of references pleasing reminders of previous adventures.
But the new faces are sure to impress - especially Michael Keaton's wonderfully ambiguous Ken doll.
A final 20 minutes of heart-string pulling may leave some audience members biting back the tears, but - while touching - it fails to match the weighty emotional ache of previous film Up's eye-streaming opening.
'Camaraderie', 'friendship' and 'family' may sound like twee, overused themes, but the movie's unashamed embracing of them never wanders into cliched territory.
Instead Toy Story 3 serves a well-balanced offering of laughs, shocks and scares, with enough nostalgic nods to round off a beloved and classic series.
8/10 - Toy-tastic.