After the
success of their first movie together, Disney/Pixar went on to make many more
films. But soon, they returned to the movie that started it all: Toy Story.
Initially, Disney planned for Toy Story 2 to be a
direct-to-home-video release. However, after reading the script and seeing the
reels, they realized the potential for another blockbuster. So, Disney invested
more money, recalled the voice cast, and Toy Story 2 was made—a
wonderful addition to its 1995 original.
Toy Story 2 picks
up where the first one left off, and it doesn’t shy away from showing that Andy
is growing up. The puppy and Mrs. Potato Head toy mentioned at the end of the
first film are also featured in this movie. Their addition to the group is so
seamless that it never feels like they’re crowding the story. This time, the
adventure isn’t about Woody trying to clear his name; it’s about saving Woody.
The directing is just as strong as in the first film, the score isn’t as
memorable, but it’s not a big deal, and the CGI is noticeably upgraded.
The plot
revolves around Woody (Tom Hanks) being stolen by a collector. The other toys
notice his absence, and with Buzz (Tim Allen) determined to save him, they
recruit Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and Hamm the piggy bank for a rescue
mission.
The crew that
sets out to save Woody really makes the movie for me. Their involvement shifts
the focus slightly from what the first movie was all about—Woody and Buzz.
While this film still centers on Woody, it expands the scope to include other
toys in an outside-the-house adventure.
The idea for a sequel was in the works shortly after the first movie’s release, but production faced several challenges, mostly due to Disney’s tight release schedule. This forced Pixar to work at a breakneck pace to meet the deadline. The story also recycled several ideas that were originally drafted for the first film but were discarded. These included the obsessive toy collector, who serves as the main antagonist in this movie (replacing Sid Phillips, Andy’s former neighbor and the antagonist of the first film). But I can assure that, this new villain, though amusing, lacks the intensity of Sid and serves more as a plot device than a truly memorable antagonist, which Sid was. Also, the movie does recycle themes from the first film, and this expanded focus on other toys reduced the personal dynamic between Woody and Buzz that made the first film so special.
Upon its
release, Toy Story 2 cost $90 million to make, and it was a commercial success. Its high approval
rating places it among the rare sequels considered just as good as the original.
Toy Story 2 is a fun and fantastic movie.
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