When Pixar announced a sequel to ‘Toy Story’ back in 1997, many were excited to see the next chapter of the world’s first CGI animated characters of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. But many were wondering, with ‘Toy Story’ being hailed as a classic, the moment it was released in theatres, could it top the first film that made audiences around the world fall in love with the toy franchise?

 

Thankfully, not only was ‘Toy Story 2’ good, it stood at the same level to its hugely successful first film, a rarity for any sequel that was originally conceived as one of Disney's direct-to-video films, 60 minutes in length. But the film's story was so good, it made Disney to instead release it in theatres and stretched the runtime to 90 minutes, which was the right decision to make, as 'Toy Story 2' does not represent the quality of most of Disney's direct-to-video features.

 

‘Toy Story 2’ does tread on similar territory, but the sequel offers enough differences from its original that makes this sequel just as great as the first ‘Toy Story’ back in 1995. It changed the hero, switching Woody and Buzz’s roles around this time, added new characters that had their own deep backstory and character development and above all, it had a story that was worth telling. A trait that Pixar loves to adopt to their amazing productions.

 

"The way the films look will never entertain an audience alone. It has to be in the service of a good story with great characters", quoting 'Toy Story 2' director John Lasseter.

 

The plot involves Woody trying to save a toy from a yard sale, but while he saves his pal, ends up getting sold to a collector named Al. Yes, Al who owns Al’s Toy Barn, which had a cameo in the first ‘Toy Story’ film during a Buzz Lightyear commercial.

 

Sneaky Pixar!

 

But anyway, Buzz tries to save Woody along with a few favourites. But after arriving in Al’s apartment, Woody learns about his history that he never realised before, while meeting new toys that belong in his franchise, Woody’s Round-Up, which includes Jessie, Bullseye and Stinky Pete.

 

‘Toy Story 2’ is a sequel that works just as great as the first ‘Toy Story’. I love both for different reasons.

 

‘Toy Story’ is essentially a tale of friendship and loyalty, ‘Toy Story 2’ is a story about abandonment and acceptance, while still indicating friendship, but also incorporates growing up, but both films stand tall for two different reasons.

 

‘Toy Story 2’ is a lot of fun, with honest emotion, and a sense of friendship, ‘Toy Story 2’ is a sequel done right, and when it ends, it will live on “To Infinity and Beyond!”

 

Score: 10/10