Opinion: The Real Reason Grown Men are Crying at 'Toy Story 3'

I was surprised when my 18 yr old son asked me if I wanted to see this movie with him. Since he is my youngest and last one to leave for college in the fall, I jumped at the chance. We both shed a few tears, I think for different reasons. I cried because it seemed like just yesterday I was taking him to see the first Toy Story and now he was taking me. Where does the time go? He cried because of a lot of the reasons in this article. He knew he was onto a different era in his life, leaving the old one (and toys) behind. This was one of the best movies I've seen in awhile and I've recommended it to a lot of friends.

I cried for all the same reasons. My boys grew up seeing these movies. I have to say I didn't expect to be so emotional and had to explain to my 9 year old why mom cried at a "cartoon" Toy Story 3 is so much more than that. I loved it!

The men that would not cry at this are just too hardened, or faking it. I am a retired Army Ranger and I cry if the circumstances are right. This movie definitely had all the right stuff to bring on a flash flood of tears from me. I won't make excuses about it, either. All too many people believe that just because I've had such a strong military background that I couldn't openly weep over such a story. Really? I cried at the end of Star Trek 2, when Spock died! Just like anyone else out there, we military types have feelings.

If you ever want to get a good cry out of "anyone", watch the movie "What Dreams May Come", starring Robin Williams. I cried like a baby through the entire flick! I have yet to meet anyone that has seen this movie without entering the flood zone. This movie deals with death on several personal levels, and all of them were extremely touching. Anyway, my point is that anyone has it in them to openly cry when the timing is right. This movie definitely has the right timing....

I cried because I had to pay nine bucks for a ticket.

Alyssa,
I am 40 years old and I almost felt like I had to leave the theater starting at the point of the fire pit all the way to the end. I was almost uncontrollably crying. That part effected me because for the first time you feel that they tried to get out of the situation but nothing worked and you see them giving up to their potential doom. But they all hold hands together as almost to say "we are a family and we will die together". In the previous movies you think the situations they get in are impossible to get out of but they always do and there is never a thought in their minds that they won't.---- UNTIL that scene. I also had a awful time with Andy growing up and giving the toys away. You see how much he loves them when he explains each of them to the little girl. You see how hard it is for him to let them go. That was him letting his childhood go, and that was hard on me. I left the theater in tears and the next few days I cried over this movie, even right now I am crying. I have a hard time telling people about this movie because it makes me cry still. I was embarrassingly shocked at how I took this film. The reason I think (after much thought) is that my daughter whom is now 13 grew up with Toy Story. I remember taking her to see all the others and she has grown up just like Andy. It occurred to me just how much the time flew by and it was almost scary how fast it all went by. My daughter is now wanting the Toy Story characters to keep on her bed and she is spending time introducing her 3 year old brother to all the characters that made her so happy for so many years. She appreciates their meaning to her and she wants her little brother to understand it. These movies made me never want to throw away any toy because "what if"? The Toy Story movie trilogy really has meaning and it not just another pointless, dull content kids movie to make money off of like most of them are anymore. I am completely pleased with Pixar for not selling out. They are refreshing and I look forward to all of their movies but they really outdid themselves. I hope they continue to make these types of quality movies. They did a spectacular job. I will continue to be a huge fan because of the care and love they give their characters and movies. This had to be hard on them to make this movie. It was a true labor of love and that shows brilliantly. I have no doubt that they cried just as hard as I did as most of the others did in the theater. This is a true classic.

It makes me want to get one right now..................

I am sitting here and still crying! My son is 15 and I know when the time comes for him to leave, I will be crying my heart out... But I have to let go sooner or later. One of the best movies I have ever seen. Pixar is amazing.

what you said brought back memories of my youth as well. please don't give up hope, you will find someone special.

Jae,

Looking at all the comments here, I see that the toy metaphor connects with nearly everyone in the realm of love and loss. I was touched to read your post because, with a painful and difficult childhood, I really 'get' what you said. Of my toys, there were a few special ones that were "there" for me in ways people sometimes could not be; later, it was music that made things bearable...and often still is a comfort.

You expressed a terrific (and I think true) sentiment: "Every toy has a life, a life given to it by the child who plays with it and breathes life into it." That is why I think all the electronic toys that rob kids of imagination are already coming back to bite us.

I also teared up more than once during Toy Story, more than once. I'm old enough to be your mother (in fact have kids your age), but can relate to what you said.

PS: I hope you are paying attention to the bullying issues that have received much attention in the past year, especially in Massachusetts with new legislation, last year. I have spent years trying to bring this out more to no avail, and finally it is getting big attention (unfortunately, after publicized suicides). Can only hope that finally change is coming. I hope that you will find people to connect to, people to trust and maybe even get involved with promoting change.

Best to you,

G

Jae----you don't sound as if you're emotionally stable. I mean this in a serious way to be helpful. Most well-adjusted "kids" enjoy most years of school...and certainly college! Those 16 + years were the best in my life.
Perhaps you should be involved w/ talk-therapy.
Perhaps you are.
Regardless, best wishes.

Nathan, your comments are well said and heartfelt. Greg, your comments on Nathan's grammer are well written with nary a mispelled word.

But, Greg, you are an insecure, judgemental, boorish clod who broadsides a sincere and warm offering from a middle-aged man with a heart of gold. Shame on you, Greg. I'll take Nathan's clumsy feelings over your self-centered meaningless, shallow and pointless criticism any day.

Gregg, I completely agree. It is scary to think how acceptable poor grammar and spelling has become, not only in every day conversation, but in the professional world. We have arrived at times when those short of a proper vocabulary have to revert to using words like "A$$" to get their point across.

Gregg,
While I tend to agree wtih you about grammar, you don't know anything about this man. It's possible there could be a learning disability, or maybe he just doesn't type well. Maybe something else is going on, or maybe he just doesn't care.
You, of course, have the right to judge all you want. But maybe if we were without hateful comments like yours, the world would be a better place.
Please get off your high horse before someone knocks you off.
Thanks!

Greg, don't listen to them. It is a shame how poor grammar has become acceptable. It is also a shame that folks who spell like they should be working at McDonald's end up getting their PHD.

Memo to Gregg:

The poetic irony here is you didn't capitalize the first letter of your name! I suppose you might say, "it's just the way I type my name online." Well, perhaps Nathan types quickly; perhaps Nathan didn't think he'd be judges as if he was in grade school; or perhaps Nathan doesn't give a flying piece of you!

I have a doctorate degree. You know what? I made a few spelling mistakes in this already that I corrected. SO WHAT?

As one posted put it, and I quote, 'Get off your high horse before someone knocks you off.'

Mike

Gregg,

Proper nouns should be capitalized, and there should always be a space between a comma and the next word. Now stop whining about grammatical errors and go crawl back under the rock where you came from you sanctimonious little man.

Yes, those carefree days before the real world... very special. I did cry at the end, kind of a surprise. I think because you hear and see Andy (and the actor, now grown up) realizing that time is now behind him, and that the little girl will love his toys like he did. You see the moment he gives up childhood (well, after he plays with them one last time, alongside the little girl). And then he drives off. But hey, he will love playing sometime alongside his own little ones... didn't you?