Director: Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich
Producer: Karen Robert Jackson, Sarah McArther, Helene Plotkin
Script: John Lasseter, Peter Doctor
Voices:
Woody - Tom Hanks
Buzz Lightyear - Tim Allen
Jessie - Joan Cusack
Stinky Pete - Kelsey Grammer
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"Toy Story 2" is the latest film from the animation team of Pixar Animation Studios. The story was principally written by John Lasseter and Peter Doctor, and like the first "Toy Story" it's a clever, funny ride through the world of toys that come alive when we humans turn our back.
Woody, the cowboy doll - with the voice of Tom Hanks, is still in charge as Andy's favourite toy, and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is still his trusty off-sider. Then there's Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Hamm, Rex and Bo Peep just to name a few, who make up an excellent ensemble cast.
In the first "Toy Story" film, the story was good, but seemed to play second-fiddle to the new animation that was on display. That was in 1995 and since then the film-going public has been bombarded with computer animation of differing varieties - from "Antz" to "A Bug's Life" and many in between. So "Toy Story 2" needed more than that, and it delivered.
During a garage sale Woody is accidentally found by a buyer, who turns out to be a toy store owner and collector. When Andy's mother tells the man, Al Whiggin (voice by Wayne Knight - Newman from "Seinfeld") that Woody is not for sale, he steals him.
It turns out that Woody is a collector's item - the starring member of an old TV serial of the 1950's that was cancelled early. Al Whiggin has the entire collection including Jessie (voice by Joan Cusack) and Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice by Kelsey Grammer). Whiggin wants to sell them to a Japanese museum and for Woody, that means no more Andy.
There's much more to the story, including the pursuit of Woody by the other toys in Andy's room. This includes a couple of great scenes - one as they cross the road under traffic cones, which causes traffic chaos, and the other an encounter with the Barbie collection in Barbie Lane at the toy store.
One thing that must be pointed out to people who will definitely see the film - don't leave as the credits roll. The Pixar animation team have together a fantastic sequence of out-takes, using cliched antics that actors have been using on each other for years.
Basically, I think that there's one factor alone that will determine whether or not you will enjoy this film. If you liked the first one, you'll like the second. Many are saying it's better - but I haven't decided on that. All I know is that it is a worthy sequel. If you haven't seen the first one, try your luck, or get it at the video store to sample it.
"Toy Story 2" is directed by Ash Brannon and John Lasseter.
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