It's just too hard to sit here and think of enough words to describe Toy Story. Simply put: it is one of my favorite films of all time, period. I have seen this movie more than a dozen times (maybe even more!), and when I re-watched it today, I was filled with all the emotions I always feel each time I watch it.Like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was the first-ever animated film, Toy Story was the first ever computer animated film. Released in 1995, when Disney was in the midst of their animation "renaissance", Toy Story put a little studio called Pixar (heard of it?) on the map, and reinvented animated film in the process. Not bad for a studio that made TV commercials for a living.
Directed by John Lasseter, Toy Story tells the story of, believe it or not, toys. When toys are not being played with, they come to life. They have emotions, problems and relationships like humans do. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), a pull-string cowboy doll, is the favorite toy of a boy named Andy. But when Andy gets a flashy new space ranger toy named Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Woody's status as top toy is threatened. So begins a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, with Woody and Buzz realizing that what matters most is true friendship.
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| "Falling with style!" |
I can't say more for Toy Story that hasn't been already said. It was a huge commercial and critical success, leading to two equally classic sequels. Everything just works in this film, the characters are flawed and endearing, the story is gripping and fast paced, and the music (it's not a musical) matches the film perfectly. Several Disney films are quotable, but almost every word spoken in Toy Story is worth remembering. The supporting cast, consisting of dozens of colorful characters including Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Slinky Dog, Rex and Bo Peep, are hilarious, memorable, and do not overstay their stay. The film also features cameos from famous toys like a Trollz Doll, an Etch-a-Sketch, and even a Battleship board game.
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| The supporting cast |
The animation is top-notch for its time, considering this film is nearly seventeen years old, it still looks striking and polished. Textures, lines and surfaces are clearly noticeable. It is this kind of painstaking, expensive animation that makes Disney-Pixar collaborations stand out every time.
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| You've Got a Friend in Me. |
Computer animated films are the norm today, with traditional hand-drawn animation given a niche status. While I personally would love to see a revival of 2D animation, it is films like Toy Story that make 3D animation worthwhile. A good story, matched with groundbreaking animation. This is the Pixar mantra, people.
It was the phenomenal success of Toy Story that led Pixar to create a string of critical and commerical hits, including Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, and their recent hit, Brave. Pixar's focus on storytelling above technical wizardry makes their films all the more classic, and that was established with Toy Story.
All the praise is legitimate, because Toy Story, apart from it's historical and cultural significance, is just a fantastic film. A genuine classic which will be treasured for years to come.
RATING: ★★★★★ (Excellent!)