Toy Story 2 is an exceptionally rare sort of movie in several ways. Firstly, despite being only a cartoon, its got a Golden Globe award for Best Picture under its belt. Secondly, it oozes playful happiness yet somehow manages never to become sickly-sweet. And, thirdly, its a Disney sequel that isnt a pile of pap the only thing that stinks about this tale is the flatulent Kelsey Grammar-voiced prospector doll Stinky Pete.
As with the original, the quality of animation on display is quite simply eye-popping. Just a look at the five minute opening sequence, which shows Buzz Lightyear zooming through Gamma Quadrant Sector 4 in battle with lifelong arch-nemesis Emperor Zurg, is enough to prove that those Pixar blokes know what theyre doing with a bit of software. Mind you, its not as if anyone who saw the first one needs any proof.
But getting the animation right is only half the job. What REALLY made the first movie work was the sly humour, the instantly-lovable characters and the wonderful story. Well, Toy Story 2 doesnt disappoint in any of those departments.
This time, Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of Andys toys are out to rescue Woody (Tom Hanks) from the clutches of greedy toy collector Al (Wayne Knight). The only thing is, Woodys not entirely sure he wants to return home not after learning hes the erstwhile star of kiddies TV puppet show Woodys Roundup.
All of the characters from the ground-breaking original are back, plus a few new ones. The laughs come thick and fast, the characters are like familiar old friends, and at the centre of it all theres a heart as big as Andys bedroom. Your old childhood toys might be left gathering dust on a shelf somewhere, but make sure this DVD isnt.