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 and Woody, and Woody is re-established as Andy’s favorite toy. Evidence for this comes in the form of Andy’s room now being decorated in a combination of cowboy and Buzz Lightyear decor, and the fact that Andy is excitedly anticipating taking Woody to cowboy camp.
By the end of the film, Woody is not only Andy’s favorite toy, but he is also aware that he is a rare collectible. Arguably, Woody was doing great at the end of Toy Story and at the beginning of Toy Story 2 when it came to his personal relationships with Buzz and Andy, and subsequently his self confidence, so the centering of Woody in Toy Story 2 and the elevation of his importance feels like a choice made for the benefit of the audience. Focus on Woody reestablishes him as the main character of the franchise.
Production
Toy Story 2 had some scares throughout production. Originally meant as a made for TV sequel, Disney liked the idea enough…
