Toy Story
There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.

Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas

Toy Story 2
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.

Best than the 1st

If your kid liked the 1st one, don't even think ... GET this one TOO!

Disney/PIXAR does it again.

Toy Story 2 is the perfect sequel. It recaptures everything from the first movie but still is able to up the stakes. The main characters return but a slew of new, and as interesting, charactes show up.

While ANdy is away at camp, Woody finds himself in a new pickle. A toy collector kidnaps him and introduces him to Roundup Gang. It's up to the rest of the toys, led by Buzz Lightyear, to recover Woody before Andy returns home.

This movie is great. It's great in every way. It's nearly a toss up as to which Toy Story you prefer. They're both great movies.

The two disc set is as packed as the first one. There's deleted scenes, and outtakes. Also, a sneak peak at picture's next feature, and a new game "Which Toy Are You?"

Highly recommended.

Briefly, My Thoughts On Toy Story 2

Toy Story 2 is a superior sequel to the original Toy Story, but the segment about the child outgrowing her toys made me so sad I don't think I could stand to watch this movie again. That part of the film was maybe done a little too well by Toy Story 2's makers. Beyond that this Pixar instant classic is great.