Toy Story 2 — Pixar’s First Sequel
Pixar’s first sequel was a rousing success. What made it work? What could creators have done better? Did it deserve the critical acclaim?
Toy Story 2 premiered in 1999 to rave reviews. Many critics claimed it was even better than the original film. Like its predecessor in 1995, it maintains a rare 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is a fun movie to watch for an easy pick-me-up and some extra time with your friends Woody and Buzz, though I’d say the extremely positive critical acclaim is surprising — Maybe critics were simply shocked at how much better a sequel Pixar could make compared to Disney’s animated sequels. Regardless, let’s take a look into the making of Toy Story 2, what the film does right, and where there could have been improvement.
Story Impact
In Toy Story (1995), Woody must come to terms with change, learn that sharing Andy’s attention doesn’t have to mean competing for it, and be humbled. Throughout his journey, he grows to empathize with a popular new toy, and rather than losing a friend in Andy, he gains one with Buzz.
Toy Story 2 doesn’t take any of that away, but it does serve to elevate Woody again for the audience. Buzz might be new and all the rage, but by the beginning of Toy Story 2, Andy has found ways to balance his love of both Buzz…
