The first "Toy Story" film was not only a landmark in animation, as the first feature length computer animated film. It was also one of the best films from that year. It seemed impossible that the quality of the original could be duplicated in the sequel, especially after Pixar's follow-up "A Bug's Life" was overshadowed by DreamWorks' similar-themed "Antz".
But "Toy Story 2" is even better than its illustrious predecessor. And it succeeds in some areas that the original did not explore. Air-headed Barbie dolls are regularly and effectively milked for laughs. There are Simpsons-esque parodies of "Jurassic Park" and "The Empire Strikes Back". There are jokes aimed at adults (e.g. Buzz Lightyear gives an comically inspirational speech, and suddenly a huge U.S. flag appears behind him.) As in "A Bug's Life", there are 'outtakes' that appear in the closing credits (For those who saw the film before Christmas Day, now you'll have to see it again. No problem!) Most impressive of all, there's a sad song about a child forgetting her toy that will work over even the most cold-hearted viewer.
All your favorite characters (and their comedian voice talents) return from "Toy Story". Woody (Tom Hanks, who combined with "The Green Mile" for a double box office triumph) is an old-fashioned cowboy doll. Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is a gizmo-laden space adventure toy. Mr. Potato Head is as abusive as his voice Don Rickles. Slinky Dog (Jim Varney) again sees his better half twisted about. Rex (Wallace Shawn) is a cowardly dinosaur obsessed with winning a video game. Hamm (John Ratzenberger) is a wise-cracking piggy bank.
But director John Lasseter (who was also behind the first two Pixar features) knows better than to simply remake "Toy Story I". The bad kid from next door and his freakish toys have been replaced with new characters.
Al (Wayne Knight) is a hygiene-impaired toy collector who steals Woody. It turns out that Woody is an antique, and part of a collection of toys based on a 1950s children's television show. Woody is to join his long-lost co-stars in a museum exhibit in Tokyo, Japan. These include excitable cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack), trusty, silent horse Bullseye, and prospector Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer) who has an unexpected character turn. Woody has to choose between his new family and his old friends, whom led by Buzz have come to rescue him.
As in the original, the animation is outstanding. But it is the quality of the script, the tension in the story, and the depth of the characters that truly make "Toy Story 2" the great film that it is. (93/100)
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