I have always loved animated features. There was a dearth after the decline of the old Disney Studios but, after some time, new studios started a post-Disney style that continues to develop. They make great watchables for doing my exercises, since they are upbeat and don’t require detailed attention. 

A great series I have been watching is the Toy Stories triad. They have almost metaphysical penetration. What is it to be a toy? What makes a toy’s life meaningful? What brings a toy ALIVE? Each belongs to a particular youngster and, as one explains, “When Andy plays with me, I feel as if I am alive!” 

The toys live in fear of several things. One is spring cleaning, when, if they are broken or out of date, they risk being put in the annual yard sale. In fact, one is sold – to a dealer who recognizes this is an original Woody from a famous cowboy collection. It will complete a set he can then sell for good money to a Japanese toy museum. Woody is desperate to return home to his kid, but learns that the other toys in the set have been languishing in a box. To be sold to a museum is their way back into the visible world. Andy is now torn, feeling loyalty both to his kid and to the other toys in his set. The cowgirl in the set accuses him of being selfish and he feels the sting. But then he looks at the bottom of his boot and it says “Andy” and it is as if this is his true love. He says to the cowgirl, whose kid was Emily, “Wouldn’t you give everything just to have another hour with Emily?” “Yes!” she admits. So he escapes home. 

That was Toy Story 2. Toy Story 3 introduces a new set of dilemmas and conflicts, all from a deep ability to emphasize with, well, toys. Why not?