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The MPAA rated Toy Story 2 G.

When you were a teenager, you probably drove too fast, stayed up too late, and even worse - discarded some of your best friends. Whether it was a teddy bear or a favorite doll, Toy Story 2 will bring back all those sentimental feelings, with a little guilt and regret mixed into a load of laughter.

When Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen from a yard sale he was accidentally placed in, his friends Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles), Slinky Dog (Jim Varney) and Rex (Wallace Shawn), mount a rescue mission. They will overcome any obstacle to free their friend from Big Al (Wayne Knight), the owner of a huge warehouse toy store who recognized Woody as the prized item he needed to complete a deal with a toy museum in Japan.

Locked in Al's apartment, Woody discovers he's a part of the Roundup Gang. At first Woody just wants to go home, but the other Roundup members, Prospector Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer), a horse named Bullseye, and Jessie (Joan Cusack), a wiry cowgirl, try to convince him to stay by showing him tapes of the 1950's television show that made them famous. Woody becomes star-struck and considering the probability of Andy abandoning him in the near future, decides "Why not become a famous toy that's on display for the world to see?"

Like the first effort, this sequel works its comic magic in a way that is equally entertaining to children and adults. (Us husbands can relate to the caring Mrs. Potato Head packing her husband an extra set of "angry eyes" to scare Big Al.) It plays on the "natural" humor that evolves as such a diverse set of characters interact, along with superb writing, pacing, and animation.

The toys of Toy Story 2 demonstrate wonderful work together attitudes. The difficult decision Woody is forced to make brings additional depth to this hilarious film. It is everything a real family movie should be. But be warned, your children may be reluctant to part with their toys.

Talk about the movie with your family...

Woody must decide between the Roundup Gang and a predictable life of safety in a museum, or going home to good friends and accepting an uncertain future. Like Woody, there are times in our lives when we want to take the "safe" way out, rather than facing what we really need to do. Encourage your children to make a list of their greatest fears. Now make another list of things they can do to overcome obstacles that are holding them back from reaching their goals.

DVD Notes...

DVD Release Date: 26 December 2005
Toy Story 2: 2-Disc Special Edition: If you are a bargain hunter, be sure to look for this DVD as it makes a début at the height of the post-Christmas sales. Repackaged in a 2-Dics Special Edition, Toy Story 2 now has an all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Souround EX audio track (or you can choose the DTS 5.1 Surround sound SE). Bounus features include deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, a sneak peek at Pixar's upcoming production Cars, and a game titled, Which Toy Are You? So, if you are looking to spend some of the money from your Christmas returns, this Toy may be the perfect gift.

Video alternatives...

Be sure to check out our review of the original Toy Story and our Toy Story game review.

Rod Gustafson

© 2005 One Voice Communications Ltd. All Rights Reserved.