Toy Story 2 [VHS]

John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story.

Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas

A landmark in filmmaking with cutting-edge animation and the voice talents of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, TOY STORY introduced Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear, a space age action figure. Along with a supporting cast of funny friends, TOY STORY will entertain the entire family with action, adventure, and sidesplitting laughs. Joining the original voice cast in TOY STORY 2 is a roundup of unforgettable new characters including Jessie the Cowgirl and Stinky Pete the prospector! Winner of the Golden Globe(R) award for Best Picture, this box office smash is full of laugh-out-loud humor, wonderful music, and eye-popping animation!