Toy Story 2 (1999)

The toys are back!

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammar, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Jodi Benson, Joe Ranft

Director: John Lasseter

Running Time: 92 minutes

US MPAA rating: N/A
UK BBFC rating: U
Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

On DVD

On DVD

'Toy Story 2' is an exceptionally rare sort of movie in several ways. Firstly, despite being 'only a cartoon', it's got a Golden Globe award for Best Picture under its belt. Secondly, it oozes playful happiness yet somehow manages never to become sickly-sweet. And, thirdly, it's a Disney sequel that isn't a pile of pap - the only thing that stinks about this tale is the flatulent Kelsey Grammar-voiced prospector doll Stinky Pete.

As with the original, the quality of animation on display is quite simply eye-popping. Just a look at the five minute opening sequence, which shows Buzz Lightyear zooming through Gamma Quadrant Sector 4 in battle with lifelong arch-nemesis Emperor Zurg, is enough to prove that those Pixar blokes know what they're doing with a bit of software. Mind you, it's not as if anyone who saw the first one needs any proof.

But getting the animation right is only half the job. What REALLY made the first movie work was the sly humour, the instantly-lovable characters and the wonderful story. Well, 'Toy Story 2' doesn't disappoint in any of those departments.

This time, Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of Andy's toys are out to rescue Woody (Tom Hanks) from the clutches of greedy toy collector Al (Wayne Knight). The only thing is, Woody's not entirely sure he wants to return home - not after learning he's the erstwhile star of kiddies' TV puppet show 'Woody's Roundup'.

All of the characters from the ground-breaking original are back, plus a few new ones. The laughs come thick and fast, the characters are like familiar old friends, and at the centre of it all there's a heart as big as Andy's bedroom. Your old childhood toys might be left gathering dust on a shelf somewhere, but make sure this DVD isn't.

DVD Extras: Monsters Inc. preview, 'Luxor Junior' animated Pixar short, character featurette, exclusive 'Woody's Roundup' music video, coolest toy feature, and the complete set of out-takes. Extras: 6 out of 10

It's Got: The mighty Randy Newman back on soundtrack duty.

It Needs: For us all to thank the heavens that this one wasn't punted straight to video - hard as it is to believe, that was apparently the original intention.

Alternatives: Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo

Summary: A perfect sequel to a perfect original. Overall Score: 10 out of 10