Toy Story 2 - Review

“Ride like the wind, Bullseye!” – A review of Toy Story 2. 

I always get nervous when great films have sequels. Too often, sequels lose the original heart and soul of what has come before and end up feeling like more of a cash grab than anything with passion behind it. Would that be the case with Toy Story 2?

Four years after the original film was released, Toy Story 2 follows the original toys whilst also introducing new characters to the vibrantly animated world. Woody, Buzz and the other toys still live with Andy in his bedroom, but disaster strikes when Woody is stolen by a greedy toy collector named Al McWhiggin. Buzz and the other toys embark on an adventure to rescue Woody and bring him home, but Woody makes a discovery – he is based on a beloved TV show character from a show called Woody’s Roundup, and he meets other toys from the series, including cowgirl Jessie, his horse Bullseye and Stinky Pete the prospector. Now, Woody must choose between returning to his old life with Andy, or staying with his newfound family, as he struggles with questions surrounding loyalty, belonging, usefulness and friendship.

Toy Story 2 has the same fantastic balance of a witty narrative and poignance. Whilst there is exciting chase scenes and humour for everyone to be found, the film also deals with difficult themes such as abandonment, the fear of change and the anxiety surrounding being left behind. This is especially relevant to Jessie, who had once belonged to a girl named Emily who had played with her and loved her, but of course had not kept her forever. Woody is faced with the reality that even if he’s happy with Andy, Andy will grow up and won’t want to play with him anymore, calling into question how important stability is versus living in the moment.

Just like the first film, friendship and loyalty are central themes throughout. Despite danger and uncertainty, the toys are willing to risk everything to rescue their friend and bring him home, and this theme of family and community really underpins the importance of connection.

Aside from the messaging, Toy Story 2 is just as funny as the original film. From slapstick comedy to pop culture references, however old you are there is something to laugh at. I particularly enjoy Buzz coming face to face with another Buzz Lightyear toy who is just as deluded as he had been originally, a loving and hilarious throwback to the original film.

I’m really pleased that Toy Story 2 lived up to the original. It was met with universal praise and deservedly so, as children could enjoy the action and humour, and adults could appreciate the emotional depth of a story that explores love, loss and belonging. Visually, the bright colours and beautiful animation are a joy to see, and overall, this is just a great film.

Vibrant, compelling, funny and moving, Toy Story 2 really does do the original justice and is entertainment for the whole family. I love the core message of the film; life changes, nothing can stay the same forever, but that’s what makes life worthwhile, exciting and precious. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let an uncertain future ruin the present. I still own a lot of my favourite childhood toys, and they still hold a lot of sentimental value to me, and I think this film is one of the main reasons why; Afterall, in the words of Jessie, “You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you.” It’s for this reason that as I write this now, I can see my favourite soft toy still sitting on my bed, just in case.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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