Amazing, stunning achievement

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 1999)

The film follows the continuing adventures of `Andy's toys,' particularly Woody (Tom Hanks), the pullstring cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), the space action figure. This time, the dilemma centers around what happens to toys when they are cast aside for more `grownup' pursuits.
It seems that Woody is a collector's item, and is stolen by a greedy toy salesman (Wayne Knight). Woody finds that he was part of `Woody's Roundup,' a 1950's TV show that was cancelled after Sputnik. He meets Jessie (Joan Cusak), a rowdy cowgirl, his horse Bulls-eye, and Prospector Pete (Kelsey Grammer), who has never been opened and is doomed to live inside his box. Buzz gathers the toys (all of the cast members from the first film are back, with all their wonderful talent) and sets off on a rescue mission. The ensuing adventure is not to be missed, with action sequences so fully realized and believable that it's easy to forget this is an animated film. The visuals, of course, are mind-blowing, given the newer technology.
The film deals with very poignant issues regarding whether toys should be in a museum or played with until they're forgotten. When Jessie sadly reminisces about her former owner (`When She Loved Me,' sung by Sarah McLaughlin), it was one of the most touching moments I've seen on film in a long time. `Toy Story 2' takes the original in wonderfully new and inventive directions. It is already being called the `Godfather II' of animation; in other words, improving a seemingly unimprovable film. Frankly, the film is worthy of a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Not too bad for a sequel.