Buzz and Woody are obviously iconic characters that are some of the best in animation history, and in Toy Story 2, they are given a brand new story to explore with new messages to proclaim as well. The results are absolutely spectacular. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen turn in yet another career-defining performance as Buzz and Woody are so exquisitely brought to life yet again. Every moment between the two is classical, especially the scene in which Buzz finally tracks down Woody in Al's apartment and the two differ on what the future truly holds. Pixar has done a splendid job continually evolving these two characters, not settling for the greatness achieved in Toy Story, but now progressing to legendary status in the sequel. The rest of the original crew is also phenomenal. As Buzz ventures out to save Woody, he brings Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, Rex, and Slinky along to assist him, and these four pick up where they left off in the original by once again stealing the show. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when the team splits up inside Al's Toy Barn to look for Woody, allowing these four icons a chance to shine as they run into Tour Guide Barbie (Jodi Benson being amazing, as per usual) and discover the secret to Zurg's demise. Toy Story 2 is a classic because its characters are classic.
Toy Story 2 also expertly introduces a host of new characters that become instant legends. Woody's Roundup Gang features the film's standouts, especially Jessie. Jessie rivals Buzz and Woody for best character in this film. Her arc is tremendous as she begins the story as a headstrong cowgirl who eventually evolves into a hopeful dreamer. Throughout this character evolution, Jessie makes us laugh while also breaking our hearts. The "When She Loved Me" sequence is one of Pixar's crowning achievements and defining moments. Whenever I think about Toy Story 2, this scene/song is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It is genuinely emotional and a perfect addition to this story and the theme of belonging weaved throughout the story. In this scene, Jessie becomes a legend, and it is a wonder to behold. In the pantheon of great Pixar characters, Jessie belongs in the conversation for the studio's greatest creations. Bullseye is given some superb physical comedy to entertain us with, and Stinky Pete is a fine villain given the storyline as well.
Predictably, the animation in Toy Story 2 is stellar. The opening sequence featuring Buzz within a game is so inventively ingenious, and it allows the animators and storytellers to stretch their creative legs. The climatic scene within the airport is also breathtakingly gorgeous, and I am still not sure how they made that scene so believable. Furthermore, Randy Newman's music is just as excellent as the original soundtrack. Obviously, "When She Loved Me" is the highlight of the soundtrack, but the new version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" with Wheezy taking the lead this time is also exquisite. The score is also superb, especially during the opening scene and the climatic airport scene. We expect greatness from Pixar, and in every phase, Toy Story 2 achieves greatness.
Toy Story 2 is one of Pixar's best films, plain and simple. Almost twenty years later, it is still thoroughly entertaining and emotionally engrossing. To me, while Toy Story started it all, Toy Story 2 established Pixar as the juggernaut it has blossomed into today. It solidified the formula they have mastered ever since of making the audience laugh hysterically while also keeping the stories personal and often life-defining. To infinity and beyond, Toy Story 2 is a film that will stand the test of time because of its legendary characters, iconic story, and powerful message.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: Jessie's heartbreaking song, "When She Loved Me," was close to being cut from the film entirely. Randy Newman was not convinced that children would be able to sit through such a solemn number. This was similar to a debate discussed by Disney during the making of The Little Mermaid, if you recall. For Mermaid, it was Alan Menken who convinced them to leave "Part of Your World" in the final cut. In Toy Story 2, it was Tom Hanks and Tim Allen who convinced Newman and director John Lasseter to leave the song in the film. The two actors claimed to be moved to tears upon first hearing the song. Furthermore, Jim Varney, the voice of Slinky in Toy Story, died three months after the release of the film due to lung cancer. Comedian Blake Clark was hired to fill Varney's role for Toy Story 3, often paying homage to Varney with Slinky's signature "Golly bob-howdy" exclamation.
Behind the Scenes: Pixar and Tom Hanks did their best Robin Williams and Aladdin impersonation for the sequence where Woody first encounters all of his merchandise from "Woody's Roundup." Hanks was brought into a room with a table holding the various pieces of merchandise from the fictional show. The filmmakers simply commanded him to talk about the products. The result was the scene featured in the film as it was totally ad-libbed by Hanks. Also, Pixar set a record in Toy Story 2. When Wheezy is hit and dust begins to fly everywhere, that shot set a record for number of particles animated for a film by a computer at that time. To further explain how amazing the animation in this film truly is, the airport luggage scene took about seventy hours to render each frame. This is why animation should always be appreciated and applauded.
Favorite Character: I wrote this when I reviewed Toy Story, and I will write it again now: Buzz and Woody are two of my favorite characters ever, and if they are in a film, they are my favorites. In Toy Story 2, Buzz and Woody have established their friendship as one for the ages, and now, they take the next step in their friendship by exhibiting their devotion to one another. As Woody is kidnapped by Big Al, Buzz immediately leaps into action, and in that single action of selflessness, the theme and message of this classic sequel is boldly proclaimed. When the history of animation is written, Buzz and Woody will stand out among the greats as two genuine legends.
Favorite Scene/Song: Jessie's "When She Loved Me" sequence is a scene that will stay with you long after the credits are finished rolling in Toy Story 2. Randy Newman's devastatingly beautiful lyrics are spectacularly perfect, and Sarah McLachlan's performance is simply stellar. Jessie is one of Pixar's greatest creations, and with this single song, she transforms from a great character to a legendary one. We instantly can understand where Jessie is coming from when she expresses her desire to go to Japan to ensure security in the future, and it totally changes her characterization. Furthermore, the conversation between Jessie and Woody before and after the song is a stroke of genius on Pixar's behalf as well. I can feel the tears coming on now just writing this section!Updated Ranking: One of the biggest questions that all Pixar fans must answer is this: what is your favorite Toy Story film? For me, as much as I genuinely love Toy Story 2, I rank it third in the trilogy.
- Toy Story
- Toy Story 2
- A Bug's Life
With the Disney Renaissance complete, what comes next? We enter into a new century with Disney fulfilling a dream of Walt himself: an updated version of Fantasia. Fantasia 2000 arrives tomorrow!
-Cody Fleenor
-Cody Fleenor
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