Joan Cusack has an annoying voice!!!

Rating: 5/10 (22 September 2008)

OK, am I the only one who thinks that Joan Cusack is one of the biggest casting mistakes in all of animated movie history? Her voice is screechy, whining, grating and unconvincing as a cartoon character. Why the studios thought she would be good as a "voice" mystifies me. She spoiled this movie the first time I ever saw it because her range as a "cartoon voice" is non-existent. Even Tom Hanks' voice in this sequel is sometimes annoying and grating, but Cusack as a cartoon character just does not work! Cusack is fine as a leading lady when she is not playing in a cartoon.
Annie Potts was perfectly cast. My favorite continues to be Wallace Shawn -- nobody compares to his voice talents. As in the first film, Mt. Shawn outshines everyone else as one of the most endearing characters in all of animation history. For some reason, Rex always has the best lines in this film.
One of my favorite parts is when the toys cross the busy street using orange pylon cones. That was very clever, if someone contrived.
Overall, a good movie, but not one of the best for the reasons stated above.