John Lasseter and Pixar have created another computer-generated gift to the world. While the original Toy Story will always be the landmark trend-setter that started it all, the harbinger that announced the coming of a new type of film, this glorious sequel surpasses the original in nearly every way. It's so packed with invention, originality and creativity that it's exhausting to try to absorb it all (this is not a complaint, but a welcome admittance that multiple viewings are absolutely required).

The enchanting theme that toys may actually have hearts and minds of their own, and experience utter heartbreak and abandonment when we humans inevitably outgrow them, resonates in the nostalgic memories of folks old enough to remember their favorite toys from when they were kids. This bittersweet nostalgia, which reaches its climax during Jessie's sorrowful song, is incredibly heartfelt. In fact, it left me wondering -- if computer-generated images (CGI) can seem so real and make us feel this way, then why not toys?

For sure, this is one of the great films of 1999.

Outstanding animation (Rating: 5.00)
Review : This is perhaps Disney's best film yet, even managing to top the original, which is certainly a rare feat. Basically it's a children's film for adults, who'll love the many movie references ('Jurassic Park' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' to name but two) and the jokes that go over the kids' heads. Thankfully though, the film also delivers to the kids though too, with plenty of visual jokes as well.

There's not one annoying character, each one drawn sympathetically and realistically to help the audience completely forget that they're only watching an animated film. The new characters are great too - especially Jessie (Joan Allen), Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer) and Mrs Potato Head. More importantly though, 'Toy Story 2' grips its audience with some stunning action pieces (with the camera moving as if Woody and co. were real) and real poignancy. I can think of countless children's films that have been spoiled by an overly schmaltzy ending, but this is genuinely heart-warming, with the story of children outgrowing their toys being startlingly close to children outgrowing their parents. Wisely picking Sarah McLachlan to sing the theme 'When She Loved Me', with her achingly sad vocals, works well.

Quite frankly, this is a movie that crosses all boundaries as well as all expectations. One to be watched.

It's Different. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : It's different from your average animated film. So was Toy Story part 1 but this one is better. The movie plotting is a lot better in this part. I give it five stars(I'd give it six if it was in my hands!)

Two Toys Trek Through Terrific Toy Story Twice (Rating: 5.00)
Review : When released in Thanksgiving, 1995, "Toy Story" immediately won success among the masses, and charmed the hearts of children from all over the globe. When a new toy named Buzz Lightyear (Voiced by Tim Allen) arrives and replaces Woody (Voiced by Tom Hanks), arguments ensue, accidents occur, and adventures begin. The film has heart, warmth, and humor, the three best ingredients a film could possibly have. "Toy Story 2" takes off where the first film ends. And proves that sometimes sequals CAN be good, and sometimes even better than the original. When Woody is stolen by a Toy collector, he finds out that he's not only a collector's item, but that he's a member of the "Woody's Roundup Gang." New characers such as Jessie, (Voiced by Joan Cusack), Stinky Pete (Voiced by Kelsey Grammer) and "Emperor Zurg" are introduced, along with some of the funniest CLEAN jokes to come out of Hollywood in a long time. NOTE: Toy Story 2 is the last film by Jim Varney who Voiced the dog, "Slinky" in both Toy Story films. He passed away just last year from Lung Cancer, a few weeks after Toy Story 2 was released. Both films are masterfully directed by John Lasseter (who also directed "A Bug's life" and sevreral of the Early PIXAR Cartoons, which include: Tin Toy, Geri's Game, Luxo, Jr., and Knick-Knack) This three-disc set will include both films, presented in their correct (and ANIMORPHIC) aspect ratio of 1.78:1, (Thank you Disney!) as well as a Full-Frame transfer, which are both "DIRECT FROM THE DIGITAL SOURCE!" Also presnted are the original 5.1 Dolby Digital Soundtracks (Which are mixed to perfection by the masterful Gary Rydstrom, of "Star Wars" fame.) Finally, a third disc will be included which contains several hours worth of supplements such as trailers, cartoons, special previews, along with several types of behind-the-scenes footage, drawings and deleted scenes. (Not unlike the AWESOME "A Bug's Life" collector's edition, which is a neccesity to any fan of the movie, or computer animation) The Toy Story films combine, State-of-the-art computer animation, sound, multi-talented actors, heart, warmth, and comedy, all mixed together in the two best Children's films ever made! Why not purchase these films on the best format possible: DVD! All-in-all this is "The Ultimate Toy Box"! PS:Watch out for "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" coming to Video this August.

Five stars for the movies, one star for Disney (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Why must they stick to this archaic way of releasing their movies on video/DVD? I could understand discontinuing collector's or limited editions, but why discontinue entire movies? Well we all know the answer, I just hate to be jerked around like this. Disney is the largest movie company in the world but our enjoyment of their films is based around their idiotic release/discontinue schedule.
Well, with that unpleasantness out of the way, I must say Toy Story 2 is my favorite animated movie of all time and the Toy Story series is my favorite animated series (if you think about it, though, that's not saying a lot). Let's just do this in the order they came out.
Toy Story blew my mind, because the things they did in that movie (the first in particular) were so like me when I was a kid (at that age). Toy Story is sure enough my second favorite animated movie ever. It's funny, and colorful, and touching. I think all good kid's movies should have a sense of wonder, or delight, and it shouldn't be in either a cynical or naive way. They should show wonder in a way that can be found in the real world, which is a balance hard to find. The original Toy Story has all kinds of wonder and awe, both in positive and negative ways (some kids could be afraid of Sid but I bet they won't be able to stop looking at him). It's about finding your place in life, and what to do with what you've got. When Buzz happens upon a commercial for himself and then tries to fly through the window-well that is one of the most touching scenes in any movie I've seen. And the whole ending sequence is beautiful, from Buzz and Woody on the RC car going through traffic, or them being blasted from a rocket through the air. Not to mention it's filled with all kinds of toy-related jokes that any kid can relate to. I think it's safe to say it'll be looked back on like the very first full-length animated movie (it was Snow White, wasn't it?).
Toy Story 2 is nearly flawless. It has one of the craziest openings for a movie ever, and I love the way it can find a way to have characters with all kinds of motives. Al is driven by his greed, the Prospector is jaded but just wants to be loved, Jessie hasn't given up hope yet so is overjoyed when she can find a way to confirm her hopefulness. The movie uses the toys as a metaphor for growing up and moving on: or not. You can aspire for your dreams or you can realize you're happy with what you've got. Toy Story 2 is/was the last movie Disney made with Pixar before they got too smug and self-indulgent. They realized they had the power to stir emotions and awe (they also realized they could make a ton of money), but instead of giving us a sweet movie like Toy Story, we got the self-congragulatory Monsters Inc, with its obvious conflicted main character, and instead of a great secondary character like the Prospector, we got Boo. Finding Nemo was a step in the right direction, but in my opinion doesn't have the heart of the Toy Story movies.
I can actually think of one thing wrong with Toy Story 2, and that's that lame Sarah Mclachlan song. I'm not one of those people with a weird Randy Newman fascination, but his songs were so much better than that one Mclachlan song. I guess it's because the scene in which it's used is already so emotional, instead of Newman's weird but effective delivery we got Mclachlan hammering the point home with her yodeling. But I love that scene because it shows how the little girl grew up. Other than that, Toy Story 2 is great: funny and vibrant, even on my crusty old VHS tape.
I wish I had these movies on DVD. They spark wonder in me at my age just like they did when I first saw them. They have plenty of in-jokes and such but also have a timeless quality (and a strong sense of innocence). Five stars for the both of them, the best animated series of all time.

The secret lives of toys (Rating: 4.00)
Review : Woody (Tom Hanks), who turns out to be a rare collectible, is stolen by an unscrupulous toy store owner and slated to be sold to a toy museum in Japan. Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and friends embark on a dangerous cross-town rescue mission. This is a very entertaining and perceptive film that remembers the guilt that a child can feel over outgrowing a favorite toy. Sammy the bear was my own constant companion when I was a young child. As I grew older, I sometimes felt a pang of shame when I would encounter him lying unloved and unplayed-with in the bottom of my old toy chest. I hope he's as philosophical and understanding about it as Woody is. As cheerful as this film is, it takes on an added dimension by honoring that first melancholy that a child feels upon outgrowing a formerly cherished plaything. The animation and voice talent are also top-notch.