When Team Blockhead showed up on Wednesday to find there were not any World Cup games scheduled, they took it pretty badly. Used to constant background entertainment and the soothing presence of a global soccer battle, they felt nervous and unsure as to how to behave. Brandon, their wise omniscient leader, offered the ultimate solution; a field trip to see Toy Story 3 in 3-D! It more than did the trick. And we have so much to say about it, we’re going to split it into three parts.

Part One:

It’s official. We love Andy. Which isn’t too surprising since Toy Story 3, the latest Disney Pixar movie, is one of the top grossing films this week. As a toy company, we couldn’t help but swoon over Andy’s affectionate relationship with his childhood playmates. Andy, the boy we have seen emerge into young adulthood, has the same integrity and kindness shown in the first two films, but is now far too old to entertain his toy chest. He may have outgrown his toys, but he will forever remember them as the stars of his imaginative prime.

Characters which you can continually craft wild stories around during organic independent play are hard to come by, even more so today. But alas, time has passed and what are the toys who had been the recipients of vast amounts of imagination to do without Andy? Their complete devotion to their owner made watching the separation incredibly difficult (*sobbing*) but it was understood that they had taught Andy everything they could. Through their presence, Andy’s imagination created compelling story lines that exercised his mind for hours. It is this organic independent play which we believe helps developing minds reach new heights. We’re not experts, but we wouldn’t be too surprised if Andy’s personal entertainment played a big role in making him the polite, respectful, college-bound young man he is today.

But as Andy goes off to greener pastures, his toys are lucky enough to find a new imagination in which to showcase their dazzling talents. The toys that brought Andy countless hours of delight were gifted to an adorable young girl in fabulous yellow rainboots, Bonnie, who is more than happy to invite them to her dramatic tea parties. The toys have become heirlooms, which is perhaps the highest compliment for which a toy could hope.

We hope that the audience was not only blown away by just the 3-D graphics and clever story line, but by the rarity of Andy’s ability to entertain himself with just his imagination. The longevity of his appreciation and great respect for his playthings are characteristics that all parents should hope for in their children.

We couldn’t help but think that if there’s ever a Toy Story 4, a set of premium magnetic wooden blocks should be in the toy chest, but we’re clearly a little biased. If toys can dream, toy makers certainly can too!

Tags: heirloom, magnetic wooden blocks, team blockhead, Toy Story 3, world cup