A Perfect Sequel in Every Respect

Rating: 10/10 (3 June 2010)

Toy Story is a tough act to follow. The first film is nearly perfect in every way imaginable. But Toy Story 2 not only meets the high standards set by it's predecessor, it comes close to surpassing them.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively, and this time, Woody is stolen by a greedy toy collector. Woody and the gang discover that he is actually a rare toy based off of a classic 1950's TV show called "Woody's Roundup." He meets the rest of the toys from his roundup gang in the collector's apartment, including Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, and Stinky Pete the Prospector. He soon discovers that him and his new friends are set to be sold to a museum in Japan. All the while, Buzz gathers up a group of toys to go rescue Woody from his captor and bring him home.
All the original cast returns in this sequel, and some new cast members appear as well, including Joan Cusack as Jessie, Kelsey Grammar as the Prospector, and Wayne Knight as Al McWhiggin, the toy collector. All the new voice talents and characters support the old ones as well as help develop them further.
This time around, the animation is much improved upon. The characters and environments look more realistic and detailed. Another aspect that is improved upon in this film is the comedy. While the first film is also absolutely riotously funny, the sequel ups the ante a bit, and the film is even funnier than the last one.
Overall, Toy Story 2 is a magnificent picture. The writing is tight, witty, and clever throughout, the characters and story are moved forward in a positive direction, and it leaves you feeling good afterward. Another thing I failed to mention in my Toy Story 1 review is the musical score by Randy Newman. I'm personally not a fan of Newman, but his work on the Toy Story films is by far his best work. Toy Story 2 is one of my favorite animated films made, and while it doesn't quite pass up the first, it comes pretty darn close.