Susan Granger’s review of “TOY STORY 2” (Walt Disney Pictures)
Among our many blessings this Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for the astonishing, fun-filled Toy Story 2, the best animated comedy sequel ever made. This magical, incredibly inventive mix of action and humor continues, right where it left off, with the gang ready to play in Andy’s bedroom. Only, when Andy goes off to Cowboy Camp, Woody gets left behind and is kidnapped by the greedy owner of Al’s Toy Barn. It seems Woody’s a highly valuable collectible from a 1950s TV show called Woody’s Roundup. At Al’s place, Woody meets another family from his illustrious past – Jessie, the cowgirl; Bullseye, the horse; and Stinky Pete, the Prospector. But, back in Andy’s house, Buzz Lightyear has recruited Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex and Hamm for a rescue mission. Can his pals find Woody before Andy comes home? And, will Woody want to come back to Andy’s bedroom now that he’s discovered he’s a prized museum piece?
The original Toy Story was an international sensation, the third highest grossing animated film of all time – behind The Lion King and Aladdin. Originally planned as a direct-to-video release, this adventurous sequel reunites the same creative team, including Pixar’s John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton, along with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger and Annie Potts. New voices are Wayne Knight, Kelsey Grammer and Joan Cusack, plus Little Mermaid Jodi Benson as Barbie. Composer Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is reprised, along with new songs “Woody’s Roundup” and “When She Loved Me,” sung by Sarah McLachlan On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, Toy Story 2 is another knockout 10. Don’t miss it – or, as Buzz Lightyear would say: “To infinity and beyond!”
