I have been very lucky to have kids in this decade, if for no other reason than I have an excuse to watch Pixar films over and over.

Since Toy Story I, this company has churned out a string of successes that defy expectations and raise the bar in the way Disney did back in the forties and fifties. While basically inventing the technology that created a whole new genre of movies, they never let that get in the way of the most important aspect of movie-making, great story-telling. Each of their movies takes audiences in different directions, from wit to action to deep themes exploring a wide range of human emotions.

Toy Story 3, which I saw in a packed theater Saturday night with three kids and two grandparents, is possibly their greatest achievement yet. Technically it is a leap ahead in terms of complexity of fluidity of characters, scenics, editing, music, and pretty much everything else.

Emotionally, well, the adults were crying by the end everybody, old and young alike broke out in applause more than once.

A good childrens film entertains the children, while providing a break for their caretakers. A great childrens film engages and entertains all ages; TS3 does this brilliantly by exploring deeply themes of courage, friendship, abandonment, redemption, losing and re-gaining ideals, endless hope. Each character goes on an emotional and physical journey with different motivations; most find what they are looking for, some do not. Just like life.

If you don't have kids, borrow some from relatives and go see this movie (or just go - you probably won't be the only one there without kids). TS3 certainly has the best animated feature Academy Award already wrapped up; in my opinion it should be a strong contender for Best Picture overall, animated or otherwise.