Review: An excellent, fun movie. 9/10

Rating: 8/10 (20 February 2000)

The first Toy Story was an excellent, groundbreaking movie. Toy Story 2 surpasses its predecessor and joins that very select group of 'better sequels'. As with the original, the plot is a typical chase-and-rescue affair. However, the way that director and co-writer John Lasseter executes it is exceptional.
Again, the unstoppable duo of Woody (Tom Hanks, just as well voiced as he acts) and Buzz (Tim Allen) are the stars. The success of the first movie has helped to attract a constellation of Hollywood's vocal stars playing memorable characters such as Piggy Bank (John Ratzenberger), Jessie the Cowgirl (Joan Cusack) and the Prospector (Kelsey Grammer).
The storyline this time around is basically a reversal of the original's - this time Buzz gets to save Woody, after a toy collector kidnaps him. The main moral issue is that, after Woody finds out he is a valuable toy, whether he chooses to stay and be "admired by children for generations", or to go back to his beloved Andy.
But the morality of this tale is not what should interest you. Toy Story 2 is marvelously witty, with numerous injokes about Star Wars, computer games, and much more. What makes this film so special though is the way it appeals to everyone of both genders and regardless of age. The animation by Pixar is twice as stunning this time around, and the opening sequence is both funny and exciting. And with the advent of Digital Light Projection, the characters will look even more stunningly lifelike. There are even some hilarious 'out-takes' at the end, as with Pixar's other smash hit animation, A Bug's Life.
Basically what I am saying is that everyone should go see this movie - I guarantee that you will have fun, unless you are genetically predisposed against enjoying yourself. Toy Story 2 is a great piece of fun. Roll on Toy Story 3.