Again we have a Pixar offering that I haven’t seen before. Unlike A Bug’s Life I did have been working knowledge of Toy Story 2’s plot as I’ve seen clips and I was familiar with Jesse’s backstory. I just didn’t know how the plot unfolded.
It’s a little odd to think about that Pixar’s third move being a sequel. So often they get criticized for doing sequels when their third movie was a sequel. They did sequels right out of the gate. But at least it was an example of a good sequel.
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A Good Sequel, It Happens
Toy Story 2 does what a good sequel should do – it expands of the world. So in Toy Story 2 the Toys are forced to save Woody who was stolen. He was stolen because a rare collectable toy. This gives Woody a backstory, lore and introduces new characters all with their own motivations.
The A Plot & B Plot Work Together
This movie has a very clear A plot and B plot. A plot is Woody getting stolen and learning about himself and the backstory of what sort of toy is he and his crew.
Woody was from a late 50s TV puppet show that got cancel after The Space Age came into vogue, which a “poetry it rhymes” type allusion to the plot of the first Toy Story. Woody completes the set so that the collection can go to a Toy Museum in Japan but only with Woody otherwise the collection goes back into the darkness of storage, thus stakes.
Jesse, the yodeling cowgirl and former loved toy wants to be adored again by children even if that means through glass so she gets combative with Woody’s efforts to get back to Andy. Also Bullseye is the best, love him, then again a horse who acts like a puppy? Who couldn’t adore that combination? It’s NOT POSSIBLE!
The B plot is Buzz, Rex, Mr.P otato Head and Slinky-Dog leaving the bedroom to saving their friend. This rescue involves going to a Toy Store and have Buzz getting waylaid but another Buzz who also thinks he is the real Buzz and as well as a Zurg Toy, because why not?
Movie References Galore, Hope you Like Star Wars
At first I wasn’t enjoying this development of teh delusional Buzz and Zurg BUT the resolution and even the Star Wars reference was funny. I ultimately enjoyed it so I was wrong it was fine. Plus having another delusional Buzz hinders the recuse adding to the drama. Just buckle for all the blockbuster movie references, they done fairly well but very obvious.
Warming up to these Characters
Essentially I enjoyed these characters more in the sequel than in the first movie. They were a little more present and silly and the side characters got more to do in the plot rather than being side-lined for the Buzz and Woody’s power dynamics and clashing world views. It’s fine in the first movie but it does make the narrative smaller especially with all the other characters. The characters are utilized better in the sequel.
Will say I didn’t LOVE Jessie but she is not that bad of a character she makes sense in the context of the movie, it’s more a personal preference.
I also like that Toy Story 2 smartly reversed the Woody/Buzz dynamic in that Woody is a rare collectable from the 50s and Buzz is a super mass-produced toy.
Both find their value is being loved by a child and being a part a their collective as “Andy’s Toys” but while the first movie was an “out with the old in with the new” perspective this movie make the old things a valuable antique.
Two Villains
Also we get two distinct villains. Al who steals Woody much like Cruella de Vil. Both want to complete something but need one more element (Woody/Puppies) they do try to buy it but when they are told no sale they just steal it and in the end a crew saves them and gets more family members than intended. Also there could be a commentary over museum buying stolen items even though the museum purchase in this movie didn’t occur.
There is also Stinky Pete, the prospector. Pete as twist villain was well done since he doesn’t start as villain. His desire aligned with group and he only becomes villainous when Woody threatens his desires which he believes Jesse and Bullseye want go to the museum and be adored instead of passed over.
Final Thoughts
I think my only real criticism, is the lack of the Shark toy, I love that guy.
However despite the lack of my boy, the Shark toy, and some weird asks in logic and physics, Bullseye makes up for all of it. Again a Puppy-Horse, Genius! No Notes
My Current Ranking of Pixar Movies Based on my own Subjective Opinion:
- Toy Story 2
- Toy Story
- A Bugs’ Life (fear not it will not remain at the bottom forever)
