Viewed in
1995 (2), 1996 (3), 1998, 2000, 2009
Premise
In a world of living toys, a kid's favorite toy, Woody, has his status threatened by a newer, cooler toy, Buzz Lightyear.
Who should watch
Everyone!
Thoughts
This was Pixar's first masterpiece that ushered in the modern age of computer animated films.
At first glance, 'Toy Story' was spell-binding. The animation was so colorful, creative and astounding, I felt like I had just watched 'Tron' for the very first time. The toys moved like toys, humans moved like humans, dogs moved like dogs, plastic leaves looked like plastic leaves, etc.
Instead of going for eye candy, Pixar knew that movie immortality exists only with a great story. The film makers were able to tell a fairly complicated story about one toy's jealousy and another's not realizing he was a toy and not a real hero with pizazz and pacing.
I loved the dialogue, as funny lines flew all over the place. This was enhanced by great voice acting and perfect animation, especially Woody and Buzz's human-like faces. Granted the studios advertised Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as part of marketing, but both big names did an excellent job of becoming simply Woody and Buzz. This was arguably Allen's best film.
Watching the re-release, I discovered that the story and most of the animation still held up after all these years. Considering this was Pixar's first film, I expected barren, minimal landscapes. To my surprise, the room was full of toys, I noticed scuff-marks and dents on doors and drawers, and only Scud the dog looked outdated. I laughed at the same lines as I did the first time, and still loved these characters.
The double-feature was fun, as the 3D enhanced the overall experience, and in certain scenes, just made them flat-out cool. In addition, they added a quick little intro and ten-minute intermission with characters goofing around in the background. Lastly, a big boo to my local AMC for messing up the screen dimensions in the first film, and turning on the lights and local ads well before the credits were done. Though it was kind of trippy to see a two-dimensional ad superimposed on 3D credits and outtakes.
'Toy Story' is still a must-see film for all, thanks to it's cinematic impact and wonderful story.
What I would change
Nothing.
Personal
Sad that it took this long for me to realize that Buzz uses the Vulcan farewell gesture.
