Toy Story 2 (1999)

My Review

“Toy Story 2” is an animated comedy-drama motion picture continuing the story of young Andy’s toys where Woody is stolen by a toy collector to sell to a museum. Buzz Lightyear and friends embark on a mission to bring Woody back to Andy. Director John Lasseter (“A Bug’s Life” 1998″) developed an innovative script where he delved deeper into the personalities of the toys of “Toy Story” (1995) and created a completely new adventure for them and the viewers. Who would have thought there would be excellent character development for an animated film sequel! It was written by Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlain, and Chris Webb, with story development by Lasseter, Stanton, Pete Docter, and Ash Brannon.

The voice cast includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Kelsey Grammar as Stinky Pete, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Estelle Harris as Mrs. Potato Head, Jim Varney as Slinky Dog, Wallace Shawn as Rex, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Wayne Knight as the toy collector, John Morris as Andy Davis, Laurie Metcalf as Andy’s mum, R. Lee Ermey as Sarge, Jonathan Harris as the cleaner, Jodi Benson as Barbie, Jeff Pidgeon as the cutie aliens, Andrew Stanton as evil emperor Zurg, Joe Ranft as Wheezy the penguin, and Dave Foley reprising his role as Flick from “A Bug’s Life” (1998) in the closing credits.

The watchable “Toy Story 2” was the third highest grossing film of 1999 for Pixar Animation Studios, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, and The Walt Disney Company. It was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Original Song (“When She Loved Me,” written and performed by Randy Newman). Newman won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture for said song. It was produced at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Sequel “Toy Story 3” would be released in 2010.