Great fun for fans of the first film.

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2018)

The makers of "Toy Story", which made history as the first family film entirely animated by computer, actually manage to outdo themselves here. This sequel packs a lot of energy and adventure, as well as some real poignancy, into its trim 93 minute run time. Better yet, it's quite interesting and thoughtful in the way it portrays the relationship of toys to their owners. Yes, all of us do grow up and, to an extent, outgrow our childhood playthings, but when we are young, our toys can mean a lot to us. And "Toy Story 2" memorably illustrates the idea that any toy has worth if it it utilized, and loved, by a child. It is ultimately this lack of self-worth that drives a certain character in their mission.
Woody (Tom Hanks, in fine form) ventures outside to save a wheezy squeaky-toy penguin (Joe Ranft) from falling victim to a yard sale. Unfortunately, an unscrupulous, ambitious collector (Wayne Knight) sees Woody, recognizes him for his worth, and steals him. You see, once upon a time, the character was a TV phenomenon, spawning all sorts of merchandising. In the collectors' apartment, Woody meets the other characters from the show - Bullseye the horse, Stinky Pete the prospector (Kelsey Grammer), and "yodelling cowgirl" Jessie (Joan Cusack), who awaken him to his history. And Woody soon finds this enticing. Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and several of Woody's fellow toys embark on an often perilous mission to get Woody back.
There's so much action in this that it could actually rival a typical live-action treatment of such material. Family members will enjoy the thrills - as well as the abundant sentiment, and the many genuinely funny moments. New characters such as Jessie and Bullseye are quite endearing, and some of the old favourites are as hysterical as ever. Wallace Shawn is particularly hysterical as toy dinosaur "Rex", and there's a brief gag referencing "Jurassic Park" that made this viewer laugh out loud. One could argue that it's all a little TOO much, with the screenwriters, directors, and company throwing one big roadblock after another into the path of our heroes.
One clever touch is to revisit the idea of a toy that has no idea that they are, in fact, a toy, and takes themselves much too seriously. This happens when Buzz encounters another of his brand, and the other Buzz keeps making things difficult. Al the collector is just a perfect opportunist slime ball, and Buzz' nemesis Zurg is a hoot (there's an unexpected reference to a legendary moment in The Empire Strikes Back along the way).
You sure can't argue with success: this formula of Pixars' has worked much more often than not.
Eight out of 10.