Toy Story 2 (1999)

Movie Title: Toy Story 2

Year Released: 1999

Rated: G

Runtime: 1h 35min

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure

Director: John Lasseter

Writer: Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Estelle Harris, Wayne Knight, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey

Review: Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen from his home by toy dealer Al McWhiggin (Wayne Knight), leaving Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang to try to rescue him. But when Woody discovers that he's actually a valuable collectible from a once-popular television show called "Woody's Roundup" and is reunited with his horse Bullseye, Jessie the yodeling cowgirl (Joan Cusack) and his faithful sidekick, Stinky Pete the Prospector (Kelsey Grammer), he doesn't want to leave.

Toy Story 2 excels mightily in it's nearly impossible task following the success of Toy Story. This film is able to stand up on its own against it's predecessor that transcended the children's film genre and was groundbreaking in terms of digital animation. Toy Story 2 brings an entirely new and fun story to our beloved toy universe without rehashing any old material. This film separates itself from its predecessor in taking an established environment and really telling a more plot-driven story thematically. There's more action and emotion in terms of Woody's conflict on whether or not to stick with his kid or to fulfill his destiny as a "Woody's Roundup" collectible. As we grow up with Andy and the toys, the themes get a little more mature, but there is just as much of a sense of nostalgia and heart as the original among all of the many things that make the Toy Story universe so endearing to fans everywhere. A brilliant sequel for a brilliant film franchise! I highly recommend this fun, entertaining sequel!

Stars (out of 4):

Fun Fact: This is one of three Disney movies to win a Golden Globe for Best Picture. The other two are Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994).


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