Roll-M: Movie Review

By Susan Sackett

Toy Story 2 (starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight; written by Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb, from a story by John Lasseter; directed by John Lasseter; rated G).

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, and a whole passel of beloved toys from the original Toy Story movie are back for this better-than-the-original sequel. If you missed the first movie, don’t worry – it won’t make a bit of difference in your enjoyment level. If you're over the age of 10, again, not to worry because this is for "children of all ages." Toy Story 2 is funny, clever, dazzling, and just plain fun to watch. It has an engrossing story, some good tunes and the best state-of-the-art digital animation Pixar and Disney’s combined money can buy. Best of all, the characters are well-developed and engaging.

The movie begins with a snappy opening sequence that plays like a cross between a simulator ride and a video game, drawing the viewer in immediately while barely giving you a chance to breathe. The film then progresses to its main themes of nostalgia and loyalty. Along the way, there is lots of dramatic conflict guaranteed to keep even the youngest tot on the edge of her/his seat. For the adults, there is good storytelling and a nice sprinkling of salutes to several sci-fi movies, especially Star Wars. The slowest moment for the kids is one of the nicest for adults, a musical interlude involving a tribute to toys of yore called "When She Loved Me," by the irrepressible Randy Newman. It’s guaranteed to be an Oscar® nominee, if not the year’s winner.

FIVE OWLS OUT OF FIVE (A MUST SEE!)