Toy Story 3

Last Sunday, Jake and I decided to take Abe to see Toy Story 3. I am not sure if I have been able to clearly communicate on this blog how much Abe loves the Toy Story franchise. Let me just put it simply – the kid is OBSESSED with Toy Story. We have almost all of the Toy Story character toys and many multiples sets including – three big Woody’s, three tiny Woody’s, and multiple mid-sized Woody’s. The same goes for Buzz’s. He has Toy Story undies, t-shirts, socks, and pjs. He has Toy Story fruit snacks, cereal, and most recently apples. (Yes, the apple people are whoring themselves out too.)

Needless to say, we have been waiting for this day to come for a very, very long time. And, I think Jake and I were just a tad more excited than Abe. Especially since Abe wasn’t really sure what to expect besides a room with “a really big TV, and lots of popcorn.”

So, we arranged to have someone watch Sam and off we went to the movie theater. Abe, of course, had to bring along Woody (big Woody, but not talking Woody, because “he is too loud”). As we were walking up to the theater, one of Abe’s hand was holding mine, the other, was clutching on tightly to Woody. It was pretty freaking cute.

In line, an older couple was in front of us and saw Abe holding Woody. “Aww, isn’t that cute,” the lady said. “Have you seen the other Toy Story movies?” I about choked on my spit, but managed to get out, “Oh yes, he has seen them a few times.” What I was thinking: “Hey lady! How about he is has seen the movies about three times THIS MORNING! Bwaahhhahahahahahaha!” But, they were nice people so I didn’t get all Toy Story nerd-tastic on her.

Jake stopped off to get some popcorn, and Abe and I headed to the theater. Of course along the way, pretty much everyone commented on the Woody – (to be honest, I was sort of surprised that he was the only one that had one.) We found a seat, and sat down. Jake made it back with the popcorn, and Abe immediately grabbed the bag, and wedged it next to him, his arm wrapped around it in a death grip. Every time I took a handful he would whisper loudly, “MAMA! That is E-NOUGH!” I mean, dude, back off with the popcorn. (Don’t worry, I finally told him that we could get more, and he stopped being so stingy.)

The movie started and Jake and I kept watching Abe for any reactions. He was pretty motionless the whole time – I really don’t think he took his eyes off the screen for a second. Every once in awhile I would hear a little chuckle at a funny part. But the kid had no comments, no potty breaks, nothing.

My experience on the other hand was filled with tears. Lots and lots of tears. I don’t want to ruin the movie for anyone (SPOILER ALERT) but a large part of it is about Andy (the main human character and the owner of all the toys) growing up. There is a montage at the beginning showing Andy as a little boy playing with all of his toys through the years. It was pretty much watching Abe’s life flash before my eyes. I mean, the kid was sitting next to me in a movie theater with Woody on his lap.

So, afterwards, Jake and I were sort of waiting for a reaction from Abe. Aside from the crying, the movie was really good. But, true to Abe-fashion, he wasn’t really chatty about it. He usually has to take something in first, before he reacts. We figured the next day he would get excited about it. But, that night he took Buzz to bed with him, and the next morning he woke up, holding on to Buzz still, and went straight downstairs to play with his Toy Story toys.

Overall, a very positive experience. It is one that I will never, ever forget. And, also, only the first of many times viewing Toy Story 3.