Review of Toy Story 2 (1999) by James S — 22 May 2015

Now THIS is how you improve on a film the second time around. Not only does this film up the ante in terms of plot and character, but it hits on a much more emotional level as well.

Woody and Buzz are back, and Woody spends a large amount of the film dealing with the thought that Andy will grow up one day (hearing horror stories from newcomer Jessie). He is caught between two worlds; the temporary world of Andy, and the permanent world of being put on display. This is what makes the film better than its predecessor; its willingness to make the audience feel guilty about toys they used to play with.

Let me reiterate: this movie mad me feel bad about not playing with toys more, and I'm in my late twenties!

The stellar voice cast from the previous film returns, along with some new faces. Joan Cusack really sells Cowgirl Jessie, playing a truly three-dimensional sidekick. Kelsey Grammer is great as Pete, and Wayne Knight is great as Al.

The movie is once again riddled with excellent humour, both verbal and physical. It also has a lot of Star Wars references, which cracks me up. There's even a bit of fourth wall leaning by Piggy Bank. Finally, the end credits do something I thought impossible: bloopers. For an animated film. Fully rendered. As though the toys themselves were actually acting. Sheer genius, Lasseter, sheer genius.