The Toys ARE back in town and its good to see them!!

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2010)

I suppose I could argue all day why Toy Story 2 isn't on the same grand scope as the first film. I think its an incredible feat to even stay on the same playing field as what I consider to be one of the greatest films of all time. Toy Story 2 DOES stay on that playing field but it falls just a tad short of the original greatness and I can tell you why. The original cast all return which is amazing and the magic is still as strong as ever. The story focuses heavily on Woody with Buzz this time coming to his rescue and during Woody's adventure he finds a host of new toys, some that become a permanent part of the cast. The only issue I can take with this film compared to the first is the rest of the cast takes a back seat to Woody and his new companions. The cast is so amazing and the whole Toy box is so fantastic that you just lose something from the overall picture when they aren't at the forefront. The movie is still absolutely a must see and it is an integral part of the now trilogy. Much time is spent at Al's Toy Barn instead of adventuring from one place to another but the concept is still terrific.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to their brilliant roles as Woody and Buzz. No one could ever replace these two. They completely create their respective characters. Somehow the chemistry between their characters just isn't quite the same as it was in the first film. That's not to say it isn't good but they spend more time apart and I think you miss their comradeship. Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn (still amazing and hilarious as Rex), John Ratzenberger, John Morris, and Laurie Metcalf all return to their roles and I think it would change everything if they hadn't. Its a pleasure to see them back. Newcomers to the cast are downright brilliant. Estelle Harris is hilarious and brilliant as Mrs. Potato Head. Joan Cusack became an instant hit as Jessie the cowgirl. (I personally find her overdone and almost annoying but I know many love her.) Kelsey Grammar is the perfect voice for Stinky Pete the Prospector. My only regret there is that Pete isn't as good a villain as I would have hoped for (he's no lotsa---see Toy Story 3) but he's still good. Joe Ranft is adorable as Wheezy the Penguin, and voice actor expert Jodi Benson adds the perfect voice to the spunky Barbie. Wayne Knight is also a welcomed addition as the bumbling bad guy Al.
So I think you can pick out from my review where I think the film makers stumbled just a little from the original amazing film but expectations would have to be absurdly high. Some of the highlights of this film include the discovery of the Buzz Lightyear aisle at Al's Toy Barn, which hearkens back to the original laughs of Buzz and his first appearance. Joining original director John Lasseter are two more Disney directors, one of whom will go on to direct the incredible Toy Story 3. Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich don't have a ton of directorial experience but I imagine if anyone could hone their skills Lasseter would be the perfect director to do it. Toy Story 2 does lack some of the heart of the original, and misses some of the comradeship from the first but Toy Story 2 is still a must see movie for kids and adults alike because the series as a whole is the most brilliant animation you could possibly see. 8/10