Geekatana Movie Review: Toy Story 2 (1999)

Released four years after the original Toy Story the plot that was to be the sequel to the original 1995 film wasn't originally made to be a full animated motion picture and was supposed to be a direct to video sequel instead. The folks at Pixar and Disney however pushed for the plot to be turned into a movie so around thirty minutes of additional animated footage was added.

As most movie critics would tell you getting a movie sequel to work is very, very hard. Most movie sequels tend to fell short of the original and is often the downfall so the folks at Pixar and Disney must be really confident to push this one into movie form.

The story of the second film revolves around Woody being kidnapped by a toy collector and with their owner Andy off to camp it's up to Buzz and the rest of the toys to rescue him. New toy characters are introduced as the plot appeared to be a bit serious and darker this time around as it also tackles the fate of toys ignored and neglected by their owners.

Despite having a more serious plot the sequel still maintains the humor and the adventure that the first Toy Story had but this time it touches on the more emotional aspect of things. It doubles down on what you love about these films and that's the humor, adventure and more toys than before. Also unlike the first film there are stuff here adults will understand like the stuff about vintage toys and toy collectors as a whole.

The movie is jam packed with humor and the story is original. This movie has that uniqueness of making you laugh one moment and you will find yourself crying in the next. Toy Story 2 tackles about themes like loyalty, friendship and loss better than most other films I know and to see this done on a film aimed for kids is jaw dropping.

If the first Toy Story film was a full 3D animated movie eye candy its sequel doubles down on it making Toy Story 2 a way impressive film visually. You only need to look at the textures of the characters and the backgrounds to notice the great difference this film had over the first one. Also unlike the first film Toy Story finally got the rights to barbie to be used on sequel. Barbie was supposed to be the Woody's girlfriend in the first and not Bo Peep.

As usual Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allan as Buzz nails it again. The addition of the newer cast of toys like Jessie felt a bit forced at times but in the end she like the rest of the new characters sort of grows on you. The film foes has some issues however, namely animation errors here and there but they are barely noticeable unless you're really looking.

The music once gain plays a key role in a lot of the scenes. I specially love the one playing during Jessie's flashback scene it really helps tug on the heartstrings. Also the way they played out those Starwars and Jurassic park references is pure genius. Also having more than one Buzz Lightyear in a movie is always hilarious.

Very few movie sequels can equal or surpass the original but Toy Story 2 seem to have done just that by giving these toys more depth than even the first film had. While the first film was funny and adventurous the sequel was also that but at the same time was more emotional and deep in terms of story and character development.

If you love the first Toy Story movie than you will love this sequel more. Toy Story 2 has all the key ingredient that made the first film great while giving the story and the characters in the movie more emotional depth and character development. A must for anyone who is a fan.