Toy Story 2 1999 Buena Vista Home Entertainment Official Website Buy It Now

Toy Story revolutionized the future of computer graphics in feature film by being the first, full-length CG film ever, and an instant classic as both a recognizably Disney and all around family movie.  But when you set such a precedent in Hollywood and the attempt garners such acclaim, there are two certainties.  First, there must be a sequel, no questions asked.  But second, it is nearly impossible to create a sequel that will do the original justice.  But if the original Toy Story showed the world anything, it was that Pixar has a tremendous knack for achieving the impossible, and doing it well!

Things in Andy's room haven't changed a whole lot since the events of the last film.  Woody, the personable, pull-cord, cowboy doll, and Buzz, the thick-headed but golden hearted Space Ranger, have found a bit of piece and quiet since their first tumultuous adventure.  But things have a way of changing and change is in the wind for these two toys.

As Andy has grown accustomed to splitting the coveted role of "favorite toy" between Woody and Buzz, it would seem that Woody may be a little worse off for wear.  He becomes damaged, and all of his former insecurities come flooding back; hitting the breaking point when he is "shelved" due to his damage.  But even such forced retirement cannot keep him from rushing to the aid of a toy in need, as a member of the toy box finds his way into a yard sale box, and in need of some rescuing.  But this valiant attempt goes all wrong, and Woody finds himself snatched up by an unscrupulous toy collector and rushed into the captive preservation of a collectors display box.

But why would such an old and slightly damaged toy be kept in such a way?  It seems that Woody is a VERY valuable piece and that to Al of Al's Toy Barn, he is a goldmine.  But he is not in this situation alone.  Sharing his same fate are the other toys that complete the "collection": Jessie, a rootin' tootin' cowgirl who is all yee-haws and rosy cheeks, Stinky Pete, a crotchety ole' prospector who may be even rougher and more irritating than his graying, frazzled beard, and Bullseye the frolicking and clumsy horse, who apparently was Woody's original release companion toy.  Even amongst these similar compatriots, Woody can think only of returning to Andy and trying his best to fulfill the role of favorite toy, but it would seem that Jessie, Pete and Bullseye have a different opinion.  

Al, a fanatical collector has been keeping his toys in storage, protecting them against any forms of damage or even attention until he could track down a Woody doll to complete the collection.  They now will be able to come out of storage and go on display for the world to see, as a complete set.  But if Woody was to follow his heart and return to Andy, they would be forced back into the lonely darkness of storage.  Woody's heart is torn between what he wants the most, but feels may be selfish, or giving himself over to a life on display to help some new found friends.

Whatever Woody decides, it will be without the aid of Buzz, Slink, Hamm, Bo Peep and the rest of the toy box gang.  However, Buzz has already set into motion a plan to head out into the world outside Andy's room and rescue Woody from his captivity.  It just may be for nothing, if Woody decides to stay with his collectible counterparts instead of returning to Andy and a life that may be "on the shelf".

Every bit as heartwarming and charming as the original, Toy Story 2 is a triumph of a sequel.  The action is grander, the characters are even more vibrant, the lessons learned are more important and even the computer animation has risen a notch or two.  This is not surprising, seeing as Pixar had a little more practice in the meantime through their second full length feature, A Bug's Life.

Separating Buzz and Woody through the story was a stroke of genius, as it let each character develop individually and also made the addition of new characters that much easier.  The first was such a blatant "buddy" movie that it would have seemed very much a rip-off copy if the second felt the same.  As it is played in Toy Story 2 however, both Buzz and Woody get plenty of screen time and get to share the camera together enough to satisfy fans of their unique sarcastic bantering.  And before you Buzz fans go thinking that this sequel is all about Woody, you'll be happy to know that Buzz finally gets his chance to defend the universe against Zurg

Thematically, the creators were able to go back through their notes and resurrect several discarded ideas that were not able to be included in the first Toy Story.  The most impactful, and definitely the creators favorite, resurrected sequence has to be the films opening in which Buzz gets to star in his own space-based galaxy saving adventure.  Plans called for the original film to open in such a way, but were discarded when it was realized that Woody's favorite toy status would not be believable if we saw Buzz in all his laser beaming, wing-snapping Space Ranger action.  Add one small twist and the scene appears here in Toy Story 2 with dramatic effect.  Other resurrected ideas include the yard sale and Woody's horrific nightmare about wearing out.

There is again much more tucked away in this film than old ideas and new friends; the in-jokes are back.  If viewed carefully, there are around 50 references, items, dialog, scenes and scenarios included in Toy Story for the shrewd viewer and Pixar fan to pick out and digest; but in Toy Story 2 there has got to be a whole lot more.  My favorites have got to be the innumerable references to A Bug's Life (my favorite Pixar film), including: a shuffling Heimlich, a background calendar, the flea collar from Bug's Life's circus, and an elevator music version of the theme.  Look close for more references to such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the Star Wars trilogy.

Also, of special note is the recreation of scenes from the original, with a slight bit of role reversal applied.  You'll see what I mean!  Look for a rehashed enactment of Buzz and Woody's first meeting for some great laughs.

Musically, there are a few more offerings than the solo song of the original, but again the scoring and songwriting are brought to the project by Randy Newman.  An Oscar nomination was again made, but was edged out by Phil Collin's piece for another Disney movie, Tarzan.  A Golden Globe for Best Picture helped ease the pain of the loss I am sure!

Not every great performance receives the recognition it deserves, but every performance in the Toy Story franchise can be considered great.  And this time is no exception.  Kelsey "Frazier" Grammer plays his second dastardly role (the first being Sideshow Bob of course) as the cantankerous and crabby Stinky Pete, while Joan Cusack brings her patented brand of ditzy sunshine optimism to the voice of Jessie the cowgirl.  Even without a voice actor of his own, Bullseye's performance is a side-splitting one, and the floppy-legged steed is easily the scene stealer. 

I am not sure exactly how they keep doing it, but Pixar is showing themselves to be capable of releasing one smash hit after another.  Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc.; truly inspiring, family-friendly, hilarious films, each and every one.  

 Toy Story 2 finds itself in some great company, and is entirely deserving to rub elbows with any classic animated tale.  Not at all bad for a film that was originally meant to be straight to video!  With a little re-start and some scripting changes, another animated classic was born.  Make sure you collect this one before a newer and shinier film comes along and claims its place as your favorite!

-aaron-