Toy Story 2: 3D
Buzz and Woody return in Toy Story 2: 3D
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By Tom Powell. |  |
Monday, 18, Jan 2010 08:47
Directed by John Lasseter, out January 22nd in selected cinemas for limited time, starring voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Kelsey Grammar, running time 92 mins.
What's it all about?
Ahead of the release of Toy Story 3 this summer, Pixar gives its 11-year-old predecessor a lick of 3D paint to be released as a double bill with the original Toy Story in January.
But while the dimensions might have been played with, everything else is as you know. Cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen by greedy toy collector Al, and it's up to Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and friends to get him back before he is flown to a Japanese toy museum and separated from their owner, Andy, forever.
On the way they'll have to face the outside world, take on Buzz's nemesis Evil Emperor Zurg, and even resort to grand theft auto. However, matters are complicated when Woody, under the influence of new characters Jesse (Joan Cusack) and Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammar), starts to think that maybe eternal glory and fame might suit him...
As an example...
"This is for Woody, when you find him." - Bo Peep
[she kisses Buzz]
"[coughs and blushes] Um, OK, but it won't be the same coming from me." - Buzz Lightyear
"How do you spell FBI?" - Rex
What the others say
"The 3D viewing doesn't make much difference (.) but it is a joy to see [Toy Story 2] back on the big screen." - Tom Charity, the Times
So is it any good?
While some may have preferred the darker undertones of the original Toy Story (1995) - the villain of the piece being teenage Sid, a cinema villain on par with Damien - this sequel is far more child-friendly. The antagonist or 'toy-catcher' is sneaky and conniving enough for the audience to justifiably dislike him, but he is not in any way scary. Although there are some heavier themes in the plot, such as the conflict between love, glory and loyalty, none of these are overbearing enough to intrude upon the action by excessive moralising or sentimentality. The animation, due to the quirkiness of Pixar's design, does not look outdated even ten years on. All the vocal actors are brilliant, the dialogue is superb, and the pace and timing of each gag means the film flows perfectly.
The upcoming release of Toy Story 3 (summer 2010) has led to some apprehension among fans, with critics suggesting that perhaps Pixar should concentrate on bringing us fresh material, like the wonderful Up (2009) and Wall·E (2008), instead of attempting to revive an old franchise. Furthermore the 3D effects are slightly underwhelming, and Toy Story 2 could have been rereleased as it was, rather than following the current trend of 3D cinema. However, hopefully it will set the precedent for other films to be rereleased into cinemas, for all those who were too young to enjoy them the first time around.
Fingers crossed for Jurassic Park in 3D.
9/10
Louise Champion