Better than it's reputation implies

Rating: 9/10 (7 August 2014)

I was once among the many who considered Toy Story 2 (1999) to be the weakest of the Toy Story trilogy. But re-watching it once more, I think it may even surpass the original in terms of sheer heart.
Though the first Toy Story (1995) was a technical milestone and a masterpiece in its own right, this is the first entry in the trilogy to introduce the themes which would become prominent in the third film: mortality, growing up, and loneliness. Who hasn't cried at Jessie's song, "When She Loved Me"? Who hasn't related to that kind of alienation or the feeling of growing apart from an old friend? Stinky Pete's ideas on aging and death, and the opposition he receives from Woody and friends gives the film an almost philosophical edge.
In some ways, one could argue that TS2 is superior to its sequel in that there is less unabashed sentiment. While I still love TS3 the most of the series, this is still a fine film and one that deserves more appreciation.