Toy Story of Terror

A week ago, when I heard about the Toy Story Halloween special that was set to premiere on ABC, I became unexpectedly excited for it. I've said again and again since the last movie came out that I would not want anything more with the franchise, especially not another film. The third installment wrapped it up so well and left audiences emotionally satisfied. Things that are completed so perfectly deserve to stay completed without having sequel after sequel of diminishing quality until it becomes nothing but a direct-to-DVD joke (Air Buddies, anyone?). But still, when the news of Toy Story of Terror reached me, I couldn't help but be excited. I love those characters and having it center on a Halloween theme felt fun. Besides that, the previews looked so good, like a Pixar quality film, just shorter.

That's exactly what we got. Following the status quo set up in Toy Story 3, Andy's old toys and some of their new pals are under little Bonnie's ownership now, and traveling with her and her mother out of town. After the family car breaks down on a scary, rainy night, Bonnie, Mom and toys must spend the night in a sketchy-seeming motel. While exploring the motel, Mr. Potato Head mysteriously disappears.  The rest of the toys take up the search, disappearing one by one and getting separated from each other. It was adorably little-kid "scary," funny, and had the heart to make it undeniably good Pixar.

The short is primarily Jessie's story. Early on, we're reminded that Jessie has spent years in storage and has been traumatized by the experience. She's terrified of dark enclosed spaces and abandonment. In the end, it's Jessie who has to face these fears to save the day. I really enjoyed this aspect of the short.

I also really enjoyed the way Toy Story of Terror utilized a multitude of horror tropes, starting with a the mysterious spooky haunted hotel and transforming to something resembling a slasher film (that hotel manager was totally playing the part of some kind of serial killer). Plus having Mr. Pricklepants be the dramatic, trope-savvy character a la Scream was kind of hilarious. 

Overall, I found myself wishing it was longer, but think perhaps it's good it wasn't. This way, I don't have to give the same amount of weight to it. I can view it as really awesome bonus material. And though I hope I don't regret saying this for fear of the Air Buddies curse, I would love to see more of these specials provided they keep up the quality. It's fun and sweet and adds to the holiday spirit in a way I've been missing these past few years.