Toy Story 3

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yeah, plowed by the bulldozer and instantly forgotten as things ramp up.

I thought the claw rescue was perfect, in that the situation had gotten SO serious and scary and weepy with all the acceptance of imminent death...and then the claw shows up and saves them from nowhere with a lighthearted reference, completely breaking the tension, making audience members laugh not only at the gag but at themselves for getting so emotionally wrought by some toys at a garbage dump....and not in a "gotcha" or demeaning way, either. Just, perfect.