Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger
Directed by: John Lasseter
Certificate: U
Runtime: 92 minutes
UK release date: 22 January 2010:
In a nutshell: It's the rootinest, tootinist movie in the Wild Wild West!
If any other studio had re-released an 11 year-old movie in 3D, we'd probably condemn them to the area of hell specially reserved for dried-up industry sell-outs. But this is Pixar we're talking about. Ok perhaps they're not above cashing in on the latest cinematic gimmick, but really: who cares? This is your chance to see an absolute gem of a movie once again on the big screen, with an extra dimension thrown in for kicks.
You know the story: Woody and Buzz Lightyear are best friends and living merrily with Andy's other talking toys, when Woody is suddenly stolen by a fat man in a chicken suit. Buzz, Hamm, Mr Potato Head, Rex and Slinky Dog set out on a mission to find their friend, but when Woody finds out he's really a collectible item, will he want to be saved?
Whether you know the movie inside out and are returning for the first time in ten years (it's inconceivable that you would not have actually seen this film), Toy Story 2's warm-hearted humour will not fail to move you. From a gag-packed adventure in Al's Toy Barn, to cowgirl Jessie's desolute tale of her owner's transformation from a child to a make-up obsessed teenager, to Buzz and Zurg's homage to Star Wars, this sequel is a double-edged nostalgia trip.
Undercutting the brilliant action scenes and still impressive animation, is the toy's constant awareness that their happy existence will come to an end with their owner's childhood. In a mixed-age audience, you will share in the childish delight at the adorable Bullseye's clumsy innocence, the grumpy Mr Potato Head and the ever reverent Green Aliens, whilst also experiencing a sense of regret that your own toys met with the same fate as Jessie. But don't worry, Randy Newman as always ends the movie on a high note with a rousing rendition of 'You've got a friend in me' (in the guise of Wheezy the penguin). Just make sure you wipe away the tear before chatting to your partner afterwards.
So what if it's all a big marketing ploy leading up to the release of Toy Story 3? As if we needed any encouragement to see it, once again witnessing Woody, Buzz and friends in glorious high definition should do the trick. The countdown to the 23rd July starts now..
Tip: Stay in your seat during the credits for some hilarious 'out-takes' as an extra treat
