Pixar was truly on the top of their game in the late 90's/early 00's. No matter what anyone says, I will always believe that this era of storytelling in animation is one of the most crucial in developing many kinds of animated narratives that we have today. Which brings me to arguably one of the greatest films they have ever made: Toy Story 2. This sequel is my personal favorite of the entire series and improves vastly upon the world that the original one built while adding some unforgettable characters and stories. With a great leap in their power of animation as well, this film holds up surprisingly well compared to other films that had been released around this time. The script for this film is incredible as well, throwing in some new dynamics and world-building for our favorite toys to experience. While the fantastic storytelling abilities of John Lasseter once again shine, I really only have good things to say about this nostalgic and magnificent film.
Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and the rest of the gang are living peacefully with each other in Andy's room, giving him the best childhood they possibly can. When Woody becomes lost in a yard sale, a collector steals him and inadvertently introduces him to Jessie (Joan Cusack), Bullseye, and Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer). As Buzz and the rest of the toys set out on a rescue mission, Woody experiences a different side of the life of a toy and grapples with what it means to be part of a family. While this addition to the franchise may be my absolute favorite, I haven't actually rewatched it for quite some time now. And upon this viewing, compared to the first Toy Story, I'm starting to realize how much of a dick Woody actually is. The script for this film provides for one of the most original ideas for a sequel ever and even furthers these character developments in such clever ways. As Woody meets Jessie and the rest of the crew from his old Woody's Roundup TV show, his motivations change so quickly. This film does a great job of telling its story to the audience about how limited perspectives can be so damaging. Woody sees how other toys just like him can care about and want different things, even though anything other than caring for Andy might seem foreign to him. This also leads the way for a fantastic antagonist reveal with Stinky Pete. The relationship between Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and Pete was one of this film's best arcs; not just because it introduced us to the amazing yodeling cowgirl but because how they all developed together as a new sort of family. When Pete's true motivations were revealed, however, is when it became so interesting. Pete is one of my favorite villains in this series because of how his intentions are actually reasonable but just happen to contrast with that of the protagonists.
I really don't have that much actual criticism for this film and because of that I honestly feel bad. There is just so much childhood innocence and good memories packed into these 90 minutes that I will never cease to not connect with this movie and its message. Whether it's the prevalent nostalgia that runs through me just thinking about this film or it's the solid storytelling from John Lasseter, it is very difficult to not enjoy this film. In addition to Woody's arc throughout this movie, it was also fantastic seeing how Buzz developed from this film's predecessor to this one. Buzz used so much knowledge learned from the first movie to make him such a more multi-dimensional character this time around. Which also made his arc of being mixed up with the out-of-the-box Buzz Lightyear so hilarious. The dynamic between the two seems to derive a lot from typical, twin tropes of comedy but it still works so well. The development of the CGI animation in this movie is so apparent too. Whereas in the first film, the toys actually seemed to look like toys with their much more static and plastic expressions, much more emotion is able to be seen in this movie. These 4 years of technological advancements in animation suits this series so well. It's one of my favorite things seeing how the style of these toys evolves in a franchise that spans over two decades.
I used to watch this film so much as a child that I physically broke the VHS tape. Toy Story 2 will remain one of my favorite animated movies of all time and one that had such an original take on storytelling that is rarely seen nowadays. Whether it be because of lack of ideas or originality, no sequel could ever hold up to one like this and nothing else has really shaped my endurance for rewatching, either.
My Rating: ★★★★★
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