While the excitement of seeing the characters for the first time isn't there, a sense of familiarity quickly takes its place. You forget you're rooting for a piggy bank and a Slinky dog, as these are likable and fleshed out characters by now. Buzz and Woody continue their adventures, but Toy Story 2's strongest points lie with its clever and funny screenplay.
It's wonderful having a 10-year old niece. I can drag her to all the animated movies I want to see and nobody looks at me like a mentally stunted aborigine. Somehow, watching the innocent and amusing antics of these computer-animated toys transported me to a more youthful, less stressful place (for 90 minutes at least). I fell for Toy Story 2 all the way. If you have even a small amount of childishness left in you, check it out.
The animation is somehow even better this time around, and the characters are given lots to do. When Woody is kidnapped by a sleazebag toy collector, it's up to Buzz (accompanied by Slinky Dog, Mr. Potato Head, Rex, and Hamm) to save him. Woody learns a lot about his heritage from his new friends, Jessie the Cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, and even cranky Joe the Prospector. (Newcomers Joan Cusack and Kelsey Grammer add a lot with their characterizations.)
Basically, it's a really enjoyable computer-animated cartoon, expounding on the themes of friendship, loyalty, merchandising and the "real" reason that kids will always need their toys. Nothing could possibly deflate the fun this movie (and its excellent predecessor) provide. Especially considering how many kid's movies are just obvious money-grubbers, it’s refreshing to find that there's a soul behind the Toy Story movies.
Although many claim it's even better than the original, I draw the line there. It is a must-see hit for fans of the first one, though. If you're not a fan of the first one, see a cardiologist and ask about getting a heart.
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