With A Bug's Life under their belt, Pixar return with
the sequel, Toy Story 2.The computer graphics have taken another step forward; not so much in quality
but in terms of sheer detail. While some scenes, the baggage handling warehouse
for instance, were so incredibly well captured that it really was hard to tell
illusion from reality, it was the remarkable success of animating real people
and animals which shows how far technology has advanced in recent years.
Whilst it helps to choose characters with rather cartoon or exaggerated body
styles it would appear that we really aren't that far from the ability to
produce completely computer generated actors.
Although Toy Story 2 is the ideal vehicle to show off the technology,
and there were a few instances where it looked like Pixar had gone a little
over the top just to show what they could do ( the bubble machine and the
polished floor reflections, twice ), like Pixar's previous films, their talent
lies in creating a film which has real characters, real plot and captivating
action.
Woody, Buzz ( both of them ) and the rest of the gang are packed full of
energy and character. They wouldn't be out of place in a live-action film but
their performances on screen would be hard to surpass.
This time, Woody's kidnapped by an obsessed toy collector who wants Woody to
complete his Woody's Roundup collection which he's planning to sell to
a toy museum.
As Andy's toys set off to rescue Woody, he is left with the rest of the Roundup
gang and has to decide, to go home or stay with his new found friends.
The plot is succinct and simple but done with enough style and sub-plot to make
it a thoroughly enjoyable film for all ages.
Woody's dilemma and the problems faced by toys as their owners grow up and out of
them was both sad and truthful; making children think long and hard about how
they treat their toys and bringing a tear to the eyes of the adults as they
reflected upon the disappearance of their own treasured toys over the years.
Making grown-ups cry in an animated film is a trademark of Disney films and one
of the reasons for the respect they have been given, as film makers, ever since
Dumbo was taken from his mother.
Disney, with Pixar, have once again put themselves back at the top of the
animated classic after, technically and commercially successful offerings
which seemed to lack some of the magic; like Beauty and The Beast,
The Lion King and, from what I've seen, Fantasia 2000.
With the magic back, this makes Toy Story 2 a must see film. It
is good all round entertainment. There's seat-gripping action a-plenty. It's
very funny in parts, serious in others. It has a message to give and has a
feel good factor you only ever get from excellently crafted films.
This is a film which Walt would have been truly proud of.
