Toy Story
Toy Story Toy Story 2 Toy Story 3
Toy Story 2 -
Overview
Positives
Negatives
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Brief Review
Toy Story 2 is a return to familiar territory for Pixar but somehow it just doesn't have the same wow factor the original did. The new characters are adequate enough to fit in with the rest of the cast but none really jumped out for me. With Buzz and Woody now as best friends, the interesting conflict between the two is gone and with it some of the humour too.
Full Review
Toy Story 2 is the sequel most sought after by fans of Pixar and Toy Story 2 doesn't disappoint. The film improves on the visual quality of the original but the story is a thinly veiled rehash and just doesn't have the same "wow" factor.
The story starts with Woody and the gang saving a toy from being sold at the yard sale but winding up being the focus of attention himself. Turns out Woody is a rare collectors item and part of "Woody's Roundup". He is quickly snatched up and stolen and although defiant he is Andy's toy and no-one else's, after learning about his show he soon begins to question his place as Andy's toy. On top of this, the traditional "search and rescue" mission is rehashed here as Buzz and the gang set out to rescue Woody and bring him back to Andy.
The new characters are pretty average to be honest and none really had the same instant-classic feel that some of the original characters had. Jessie is, in my opinion, one of the worst and her tale of being a lost toy is forced more than it should be. Her harrowing tale is made worse by a sickening gut-wrenching ballad halfway through the film which, although nice, isn't really needed.
The returning cast though are still brilliant and nail the same pitch-perfect note that the original so effortlessly hit. Tom Hanks is outstanding again as Woody and manages to tackle the new emotional angle of the character to perfection.
The darker tone of the film is a surprise turn away from Pixar's previous attempts and it's pulled off well here. Some parts are a little too dark but that's just a minor gripe for the film which, on the whole, is a brilliant sequel and a worthy follow-up.
The animation is even better here than in Toy Story with the characters really popping out of the screen. The intricate detail is even more impressive with stitching and better facial animations enhancing the realism of the experience. In this department, Pixar really outdid themselves and produced their best work to date. The soundtrack is equally good and almost matches up to the magnificent original.
Overall then, Toy Story 2 is a moody sequel that just falls short of matching up to the magnificent first. Despite unmemorable new characters, the cast is good here and do well with the script given. I felt the story isn't as strong as the one told in Toy Story but the impressive animation and well-placed humour should be enough to put a smile on everyone's faces.