FIFTEEN years on from the original yarn that launched an all-conquering franchise, Andy is now 17 and ready to depart for college.

Woody, Buzz, Jessie and co face an uncertain future which seems to boil down to either the trash bag or a long, dusty stay in the attic.

In what appears to be their salvation, the toys - which, after all, just want to be played with - wind up being donated to Sunnyville, a day care nursery for kids.

Delirium turns to depression when it emerges these untamed tots do not play nice. Despite his homey assurances, the soft, southern spoken Lotso, a strawberry scented teddy bear who is clearly in charge at the centre, is not all that he seems...

There's good news and better news. The good news is that Toy Story 3 is another fantastic, thoroughly absorbing outing that has as much for the adults as it does the younger audience. The better news is that you DON'T have to fork out extra for the 3D version: this is one flick where the standard format works just fine.

Woody and Buzz are back in 'Toy Story 3'.

Unkrich, who cuts his teeth working on blockbusters like Finding Nemo, Cars and A Bug's Life has delivered another big bucks hit for Disney and Pixar. The introduction of Barbie's mincing love interest, Ken, voiced by Michael Keaton, is a nice touch.

It's a surprisingly dark film which - computer generated or not - touches on some very human emotions. It offers some compassion by showing why some of its characters have ended up as they have, after taking one wrong turn or reacting badly to one simple twist of fate.

Does it really make grown men cry, as some of the pre-release hype suggested? Themes of the loss of childhood innocence certainly trouble the tear ducts to an extent and without doubt there are some truly poignant scenes. Parents of very young (under four) children should be aware there are some jumpy scenes: watch out for Big Baby and the all-seeing monkey and you'll see what I mean.

That rider aside, it's another cracking instalment. Whether or not it's the final one remains to be seen. I wouldn't bet on it!

* Toy Story 3 is showing at Vue Cinemas, Inverness. For full film listings, see www.myvue.com

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