Tag: joan cusack

To Al’s Toy Barn… and beyond! “Toy Story 2” (1999)

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directed by John Lasseter
© 1999 Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. All Rights Reserved.

Since I wrote you about “Toy Story” yesterday, there’s no way I’m not going to continue telling you about this series. And it’s quite an interesting coincidence, because the second part, which I’m recommending today, was released in the US on… November 24th, 1999. Magic? For sure. The second part is equally good, in my opinion, and I was watching both films over and over when I was younger. In this part, Woody is accidentally stolen by some strange toy collector, Al McWhiggin. At his place, Woody realises that there’s another cowboy toy similar to him. Or actually, a cowgirl, Jessie. Together with some other toys, they are based on one TV show, so having them all is a real treasure for a collector. And even better when they can be sold. Al wants to send all the toys to Japan, where they would be put into a museum. Woody is terrified and wants to return to Andy as fast as possible. However, without him, the collection is not complete and the museum will not accept such set. Plus, Woody is told that Andy will eventually grow up and stop playing with toys, so there’s no point of going back. The little cowboy needs to make a very difficult decision about his future. I think this film is one the few sequels that I really love. Mostly, second parts are a huge disappointment. However, it was possible that the sequel would be much shorter and released only on home formats. Luckily, Pixar was stubborn and made a full-length animation for the cinema. Bless you, Pixar! And this part is also very emotional, perhaps even more than the first film. I’ve heard that the cast was in tears watching the finals scenes, even if they’d known them. If an animation for children makes professional adult actors cry… then I have no questions. It must be a masterpiece. I remember I had some toys based on the ones from “Toy Story” series, and I really liked Jessie, indeed, but my absolute favourite was Buzz, because it was making sounds and other pew pew pew. But I’ve never had Mr. Potato Head and it’s probably my beloved character, so if you can get me Mr. Potato Head, my adult arms will accept him with pure happiness.

My rating: 9/10
S.

You know, people-sort-of problems. I have them. “Friends with Money” (2006)

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directed by Nicole Holofcener
© 2006 Sony Pictures Classics. All Rights Reserved.

Perhaps today’s film doesn’t have the highest ratings, but it’s definitely worth checking out. I was a bit sceptical myself, but in the end I believe it’s a meaningful story. It presents the lives of a group of friends. Franny (Joan Cusack) is a quite wealthy woman who’s a stay-at-home mother, Christine (Catherine Keener) is working as a television writer, and Jane (Frances McDormand) is a fashion designer. All the three women are rather comfortable about their financial situation. But there’s also Olivia (Jennifer Aniston), the fourth friend. She’s struggling with money and is currently working as a maid, which is quite embarrassing for her considering how rich her other girlfriends are. However, after some time we realise that Olivia isn’t the only one having life problems. Even though Franny, Christine and Jane seem successful, their love lives are a bit messed up, in very different ways. Obviously, Olivia is also willing to find someone, but it’s not easy since she needs to work a lot. For me this film is very pleasant, I enjoyed how all the characters were written and played by the actresses. In my opinion, it’s a simple production about love and how universal it is for everyone to search for it. And even if you have everything, a big house, an expensive car, you’re a CEO and generally you could burn money in your fireplace, you also need love to feel fulfilled. Sometimes it’s the love coming from your partner, sometimes from your friend, sometimes even from your own pet, right? But love is a must-be in everyone’s life and this is how I read the film. Perhaps you’ll see something different, so go and try.

My rating: 6/10
S.