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Toy Story 2 Review

· superuser

Toy Story 2

Review Ratings

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final_score: 8.9

Final Review Score

8.9 / 10

Amazing

Directed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Ash Brannon and Lee Unkrich, Toy Story 2 (1999) achieved the rare cinematic feat of matching—and by many accounts surpassing—its groundbreaking predecessor. Originally conceived as a direct-to-video release, Pixar redesigned and completely reworked the project for theaters in a legendary crunch period. In this detailed Toy Story 2 movie review, we examine how Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, existential themes of abandonment, and dynamic rescue sequences crafted one of cinema’s greatest sequels.

Woody’s Roundup, Al’s Toy Barn, and the Rescue Mission

When Sheriff Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) suffers a torn arm and is placed on a high shelf, he attempts to rescue a broken squeaker toy named Wheezy from a yard sale, only to be stolen by greedy toy collector Al McWhiggin (voiced by Wayne Knight). At Al’s apartment, Woody discovers he was the star of a 1950s puppet show called Woody’s Roundup and meets his former co-stars: spirited cowgirl Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), loyal horse Bullseye, and bitter prospector Stinky Pete (voiced by Kelsey Grammer). Bound for a museum exhibition in Tokyo, Woody faces a harrowing choice between temporary love from a growing child or eternal preservation behind glass. Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) leads Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm across dangerous city streets and Al’s Toy Barn to bring Woody home.

Joan Cusack’s Emotional Impact and Vocal Performances

The returning lead duo of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen brings refined comedic timing and deep emotional warmth, with Allen pulling double duty as a second, delusionally heroic Utility Belt Buzz. Joan Cusack delivers a powerhouse addition to the franchise as Jessie, capturing exuberant athletic energy alongside heart-wrenching trauma. The film’s emotional apex—Jessie’s backstory set to Sarah McLachlan’s haunting, Oscar-nominated song “When She Loved Me”—stands as one of the most poignant sequences in animated history, confronting the painful inevitability of a child outgrowing their toys.

Animation Maturity, Set Piece Design, and Randy Newman’s Score

Pixar made dramatic technical leaps in lighting depth, human character rendering, and complex particle effects between 1995 and 1999. Action set pieces are brilliantly orchestrated, from the opening Buzz Lightyear video game simulation and a chaotic traffic cone street crossing to a high-octane luggage conveyor belt climax at the airport. Composer Randy Newman expanded his thematic palette with Western swing melodies for Woody’s Roundup alongside grand orchestral suspense for the airport rescue.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, this Toy Story 2 review celebrates a pitch-perfect masterpiece of animated storytelling. Driven by John Lasseter’s sharp direction, unforgettable vocal performances from Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, rich existential themes, and breathless action pacing, it remains a gold standard for movie sequels.

Information

  • Title: Toy Story 2
  • Release Date: November 24, 1999
  • Director: John Lasseter
  • Key Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Knight
  • Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

This post is part of Pixar Movies Ranked