“You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you.”

Filmology Rating: 4 out of 4

Toy Story 2 is the 1999 sequel to Pixar's first film. However, a sequel was never to be released in theaters. Disney intended to release a sequel direct-to-video to capitalize on home VHS sales, which was a big market in the 90s. However, Pixar delivered such a great script that Disney could not miss a theatrical opportunity.

This film was, again, directed by John Lasseter and written by several others. When Woody accidentally ends up in Andy's yard sale, a middle-aged toy collector (me in the future), steals Woody to complete his cowboy collection. Woody learns of his famous past while Buzz and the gang plan a rescue mission before Woody is shipped to a museum in Japan.

Having just discussed 'Men in Black II' makes this a perfect opportunity to give an example of a sequel done right. 'Toy Story 2' allows one argument to drive the entire film: What does it mean to be a toy? Are you meant to be played with? Displayed in a collector's room? Or displayed in a museum. And at the center of that argument, is a heart. The characters are challenged and they grow from that, which makes this a great sequel, but also just a great film.

What was most interesting is seeing Woody embrace his newly discovered fame. Before the 60s, Woody was a popular toy, similar to Buzz is now. And for years of being just an ordinary toy and jealous of Buzz, Woody finally finds that he is special. He gives into this and decides to join the three other toys in the collection: Bullseye, Jessie, and the Prospector.

The Prospector actually becomes the main antagonist of the film, however, he is sympathetic because he was ignored for years on a shelf and finally he has a purpose; going to a museum. Jessie is the same way, but she later decides to follow Woody who is rescued by Buzz and another Buzz.

The opening scene is great. It's a Buzz Lightyear TV show which is done by using many Star Wars sound effects; a sure nod to George Lucas. But this isn't just to fill time. This scene informs you of Buzz's character and introduces us to the villain, Zurg, who later tells Buzz, "I am your father." Another nod to Star Wars. This scene also sets up the TV show that Woody discovers later on. This TV show and Buzz's shows the evolution that toys naturally go through. And "being a toy" is not about being famous and sitting in a museum to be looked at, it's about being a child's favorite toy and being played with. Even though the kid may grow up. This concept later turned into the plot of 'Toy Story 3.' This film's animation surpasses the original's ever so slightly. With every film, Pixar pushes animation to the point where a movie like 'The Lion King' is now an animated film (made entirely in a computer) but also a "live-action" film.

It takes so long to render just one frame of an animated film. Sometimes weeks. While working on the film, a technician accidentally deleted all of the film's progress when the film was ninety percent done and one year from release (not even close to enough time to redo). Luckily, the film's technical director had a backup copy at home. Life lesson for artists: always have a backup for your work!

The artists even added a blooper reel to the end credits which is hilarious. (There are no bloopers in an animated film; satire). This film demonstrates what every good sequel is: a story strong enough to hang good character growth from and this film's constant nods to 'Empire Strikes Back' shows that Pixar knows exactly what they're doing when it comes to a sequel.

Rating: See It

-Nolan