Writer: Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb (Screenplay) John Lasseter, Pete Doctor, Ash Brannon, Andrew Stanton (Story)
Starring: (Voice Talents) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight
Plot: When Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends vow to rescue him, but Woody finds the idea of immortality in a museum tempting.
Verdict: Keeps Getting Better
Story: We start be seeing how united the toys are now and Woody is getting all excited about being able to go to cowboy camp with Andy. After Woody gets damaged Andy doesn’t take him to camp leaving Woody to look after the toys during a yard sale. While Woody tries to rescue a toy he ends up getting toynapped by a man who wants to complete his collection. The toys lead by Buzz come up with a plan to try and rescue Woody, while Woody learns about his history as an iconic television cowboy from ‘The Round Up Gang’.
How do you improve on what was almost perfect, well you start the same you follow similar ideas created in the first. We have the same idea that stepping outside is dangerous, but that it is worth it to save a friend. The idea that the toys don’t know that they could be part of a bigger collection (which most are) is very important to this and shows through really well. As I will be looking at the third one tomorrow there is some foreshadowing here that we see in the third showing brilliant story telling. This is my least favorite of the three but it also can’t be faulted. (10/10)
Character Review
Woody: After getting toynapped Woody learns his history and how he was part of a whole television show. He learns that he is part of a collection and without him the collections worthless, Woody is left with the question of returning to his friends or staying with his new collection in a museum. Learning more about Woody works for everything here giving him a chance to show the leader could give up everything for something bigger. (10/10)
Buzz Lightyear: Buzz leads the group of toys on an adventure to find Woody, they have to race to Al’s toy barn and he shows his leadership skills as well as coming up against an old enemy. This is a great look at Buzz especially when he meets another Buzz and he realizes what he must have been like. (10/10)
Jessie: Cowgirl who was the star of the show with Woody, she wants to be out of storage but has to convince Woody to stay with the group. She has one of the most devastatingly sad backstories, because of her owner but still keeps her enthusiastic nature. Add the excitement level need being way too happy. (10/10)
Stinky Pete: Wise old man who is part of the collection that has never been out the package. He turns into the villain of the piece by making Woody stay after he figures out he should go back to Andy. Showing the jealous that can build up in someone really well to show that everyone could get jealous. (9/10)
Support Characters: The support characters are all perfectly placed into scenes none more so than Hamm joking about getting a hot dog with extra ham, chips and Rex as the toy.
Director Review: John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, Lee Unkrich – Great direction from the three to bring us another great chapter to the animated series. (10/10)
Animation: Brilliant animation that has yet to look dated even after 15, yes 15 years. (10/10)
Comedy: Great laughs throughout, with some brilliantly placed references. (9/10)
Family: This one would be for all the family, it isn’t as dark as the first one which means it will be more suitable for everyone. (10/10)
Chemistry: The chemistry between all the characters comes off perfectly. (10/10)
Music: Another master class on music and song selection from Randy Newman. (10/10)
Settings: Placing our heroes into a toy store makes for extra laughs and more characters, but the road crossing works great too. (10/10)
Suggestion: You just got to watch this one. (Watch)
Best Part: Road Crossing.
Worst Part: Nope
Funniest Scene: Road Crossing
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: You might get a few from Jessie back story (3/10)
Chances of Sequel: Has one more made sequel.
Closing Credits Rating: Joke outtakes make for extra laughs through the credits. (9/10)
Oscar Chances: Nominated for One Oscar
Box Office: $482 Million
Budget: $90 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Tagline: The toys are back in town.
Trivia: According to rottentomatoes in 2007, this is the best reviewed movie of all time.
Overall: My least favorite but still an improvement on the first
Rating