Tag: john lasseter

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 are a sad, strange little man and you have my pity. “Toy Story” (1995)

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directed by John Lasseter
© 1995 Walt Disney Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

I couldn’t stop myself from writing about this masterpiece today. As some of you may know, “Toy Story” was released 25 years ago. Feeling old? I do. I still remember when I was little and I was a huge fan of this film. At some point there was also a game based on it, which was super difficult for me, but I loved watching older family members playing. Anyway, if you haven’t seen this animation, look at the title of today’s post. And for those who somehow haven’t watched “Toy Story”, here’s what it’s about: imagine a world where all toys are alive! Cool, huh? However, they are absolutely lifeless when there’s a human somewhere close. In “Toy Story” we focus on the toys owned by Andy, a little boy, who’s absolutely in love with his belongings and takes care of them well. But… Andy’s birthday is coming and the toys are worried that he might get new ones to replace them. The boy, indeed, receives one new toy, which is Buzz Lightyear, a cool action figure. All his old toys are terrified and want to do everything not to be forgotten by his owner. I have to tell you my little secret: when I was little, thanks to this film, I thought that my toys were also alive. So all my teddy bears had to be together, because I knew they would feel best that way. My dolls were all dressed up and sitting comfortably, never left half naked on the floor or something. Even my LEGO figures were left sitting, because who could manage standing like that for hours? Maybe it sounds childish, but I’m not ashamed because I’ve heard Tom Hanks, the famous Woody from “Toy Story”, also used to think his toys were alive. And you know what? I bet this film has taught me respect towards things. Even now, being an adult, I hate when people don’t care about their belongings. Besides, this story has so many good messages for children, that it should be an obligatory homework to watch it. And for film freaks – it was the first fully computer-animated feature film ever produced, so it’s a shame if you haven’t seen it. Oh and one more fun fact: they say that the character of Sid (that annoying little asshole destroying toys) was inspired by one of the Pixar employees who liked to deconstruct toys and create weird things out of their parts. He’s also said not to be working in Pixar anymore, so calm your toys down and remember to seat them properly after playing.

My rating: 9/10
S.