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Toy Story 2
4/5 MUST must see SEE
dir John Lasseter
prd Karen Robert Jackson, Helene Plotkin
scr Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb voices Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight, Laurie Metcalf, John Morris
release US 19.Nov.99, UK 11.Feb.00
3D reissue US 2.Oct.10, UK 22.Jan.10
99/US Disney 1h32
Toy Story 2
When somebody loves you: Jesse and Andy

hanks allen cusack
VENICE FILM FEST
london film fest
See also:
Toy Story (1995) Toy Story 3 (2010)
R E V I E W    B Y    R I C H    C L I N E
Toy Story 2 While this film looks terrific in 3D, it doesn't quite stand up over time. There's an odd sense of dragging in the middle, and some of the action sequences feel like they never quite crank up to high gear.

On the other hand, the film is a series of gorgeously conceived set pieces and terrific character interaction and, unlike newer films, it's not afraid to get a bit grim. Stinky Pete's character is especially well-realised, right through to the anarchic closing-credit outtakes. As with most good sequels, the secret is to create strong new characters, and Stinky Pete certainly does that. It's also great to have Barbie in this world.

Pixar's animators show a continuous stream of visual inventiveness, from the cheese-puff minefield to the witty re-creation of 1950s TV programming. And it all becomes even more involving in 3D, especially since it's not gimmicky at all: only one moment pokes us (literally) in the eye.

Original review from Shadows 15:6, Nov.99:

Cast and director are back for a new adventure--terrifically well-made and blessed with marvellous vocal performances, astounding animation and a fast-paced plot that keeps us laughing.

Woody (voiced by Hanks) is the one who gets to be delusional this time, as he's kidnapped by a toy collector (Knight) who recognises his value as a classic collectible. He's reunited with the gang from the '50s TV series Woody's Roundup, friends he never knw he had: cowgirl Jesse (Cusack), trusty steed Bullseye and Stinky Pete (Grammer). And he starts to enjoy his celebrity status and the idea that he'll spend the rest of his days on proud display in a Tokyo museum. But his old gang sets out to rescue him and bring him back to earth. Of course it doesn't go terribly smoothly.

The film barrels along, piling on the jokes and sight gags with breathtaking speed that entertains both kids and grown-ups (including some subtle--and hilarious--rude gags). Several sequences brilliantly spoof other films; others create magical moments all their own. The only time it falters is in a couple of painfully soppy (and unnecessary) sequences. And the moralising is a bit weak-- about recognising who you really are and so on. But those are minor complaints; this is a fantastically entertaining adventure crafted and performed with skill and energy.

cert u suspense, mild innuendo 18.Jan.10 3D

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© 2010 by Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
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