Curtas Toy Story: Férias no Havaí

Pixar started out by producing short animation pieces to showcase their technology in that line and as they have moved into feature production, they have continued that tradition by releasing a short subject with each feature. HAWAIIAN VACATION is the short subject accompanying the release of CARS 2 and for my money it is even better than the feature.

It's a spin off from Pixar's TOY STORY franchise. The toys' owner is going on vacation to Hawaii and Barbie and Ken stow away for a romantic vacation of their own, only to discover that the girl is not taking her school backpack. The toys mock up a vacation for them and the gags are funny, in character and unexpected. What more could you ask?

This animated short film tells the story of Barbie and Ken who are going to Hawaii for a perfect romantic holiday. However, they got left behind, so the friends help them have the best Hawaiian themed vacation.

"Hawaiian Vacation" is very sweet because it tells how friends going above and beyond the call of duty to help each other. I am quite touched by the friends doing so much to help Barbie and Ken. And it is a nice surprise to see Barbie and Ken too! I enjoyed watching this short film that celebrates friendship.

'TOY STORY TOONS: HAWAIIAN VACATION': Three Stars (Out of Five)

The first in a series of 'TOY STORY' short films from Pixar (which debuted before 'CARS 2' in theaters) focuses on the toys' lives after Andy (and the events of the first three films). They're all now living with Bonnie (once again voiced by Emily Hahn) and in this short Bonnie has just left with her mother for a vacation in Hawaii. Barbie and Ken (Jodi Benson and Michael Keaton reprising their voice roles) were planning on stowing away with Bonnie (by hiding in her school backpack) so that they could have their first kiss together on the beach at sunset. They're very upset to find out that Bonnie didn't take her backpack with her but Woody (Tom Hanks voicing for the fourth time) and the rest of the gang decide to help them live out their fantasy there at home instead. The film was directed and co-written (along with Erik Benson, Jason Katz and Christian Roman) by Gary Rydstrom (now having helmed two animated short films). Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Bonnie Hunt and nearly all the rest (of the voice talents from the films) reprise their roles as well. Most of the film's jokes fell a little flat for me and I didn't find the story especially emotionally involving or interesting but it still does have a little magic. The animation is still top notch and the toys are all likable and enjoyable cartoon characters. The film is definitely not one of Pixar's best animated short films but it's still an impressive little cartoon by most other standards.

Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN5KZOE7p28

Bonnie is going on vacation in Hawaii and the toys get a week off to relax. Ken (Michael Keaton) and Barbie thought they stowaway to Hawaii in Bonnie's school backpack but she doesn't take it with her. Ken is left blubbering as the rest of the toys try to create a romantic Hawaii vacation for them and their first kiss.

This follows Toy Story 3 and has basically everybody back for their roles. The standout here is Michael Keaton as Ken and Barbie take center stage. He is silly and hilarious. Pure Keaton is a laugh a minute and he surpasses that in this. It's a quick five minutes but I would love to have even more Keaton in the upcoming Toy Story projects.

This is a short film starring the Toy Story characters. The story is set after "Toy Story 3", as Bonnie is the toys' owner. It was apparently shown before the last "Cars" film.

When Bonnie goes on vacation with her family, her doll Ken is in tears. He THOUGHT that he and Barbi would go with them and they would have a wonderful time. So, to make it up to him, the other toys pretend that Bonnie's room is Hawaii--complete with sharks, fishing, the sand, a fancy dinner, sun tans and surfing. It's all quite cute and oddly romantic. Well worth seeing and like the other Toy Story films, great for kids and parents alike.