#935- Toy Story (1995)Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
Directed by: John Lasseter
Plot Summary: In the world of Andy's bedroom, his toys come to life when no one is around. Andy's favorite toy, a pull-string cowboy doll named Woody, has been replaced by the new Buzz Lightyear action figure. Jealous of the attention given to the new space ranger toy, Woody devises a plan to win Andy's affection back, but ends ups knocking Buzz out a window and leaves Woody alienated by the rest of Andy's toys. In the possession of neighbor, and toy destroyer, Sid, and with Andy and his family preparing to move to a different house, Woody and Buzz must escape Sid's house and make it back to Andy's before it's too late.
There's been a point where Disney's modern success has been co-dependent on their Pixar films, as opposed to relying solely on their own animated releases. Since 1995, Pixar has been able to produce engaging films through a computer generated form of animation, with little to no failures along the way (one or two, but that's still pretty impressive for almost 20 years of filmmaking). It all started with the release of Toy Story, the first full-length computer generated film. This film also had a lasting impression on my childhood, but unlike The Lion King, is still able to hold up with recent viewings and has improved over time.
Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, is a cowboy doll and Andy's favorite toy. Woody comes off as a strong, organized leader for the rest of Andy's toys. There's an immediate amount of depth given to Woody upon his introduction, from his fatherly interactions with the other toys and his teased romance with Bo Peep, voiced by Annie Potts. With Woody, the audience can see when he's jealous, when he's responsible, and even when he's selfish. We don't look down on him for it because we understand that he enjoys the status quo of being Andy's favorite toy. Admittedly, I enjoyed Woody more when I was growing up because he was the stronger, central character that I could relate to. Tom Hanks has been one of my favorite actors in recent years, and he is able to fully blend into the role of Woody to the point where I don't hear an actor, I hear the voice Woody should naturally have.
Woody's world is turned upside down with the arrival of Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen. Buzz's big story arc for the film is that he does not comprehend that he is an action figure instead of a real space ranger. This allows Buzz to be heroic in everything he does, as well as exuding a large amount of confidence and bravery for whatever comes his way. Even if he is the new toy, and the key to Woody's jealousy, the audience is still able to have fun with the character, as he is able to add spontaneity to Andy's other toys, as well as having great comedic timing with Woody. Like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen is able to disguise a comedic voice in exchange for a courageous, and occasionally naive, superhero with tons of cheesy catchphrases and heroics that create one of the most memorable and marketable characters in Disney history.Buzz and Woody are not the only lovable toys in Andy's collection. Among the other memorable characters in the film is Slinky Dog, voiced by Jim Varney, is Woody's closest and most loyal companion amongst Andy's toys, qualities that are very befitting of a dog character. He is always the first one to side with Woody on whatever he decides and is very trusting of Woody to be their leader. Hamm, voiced by recurring Pixar voice actor John Ratzenberger, is a loud and sarcastic piggy bank who provides the occasional one-liner to work off the comedic dynamic with Mr. Potato Head, voiced by Don Rickles. Finally, there's Rex, voiced by Wallace Shawn, a shy, but lovable Tyrannosaurus Rex. Rex's kind nature in wanting to fit his role as a tough dinosaur toy is actually what helps establish his unique, memorable qualities amongst the rest of the toys.
The music in Toy Story was composed by Randy Newman and he lends his vocals to three songs in the film. "I Will Go Sailing No More" is a nice song that is used a moment of grace for Buzz, and "Strange Things" is a catchy song used for a montage of Buzz's impact on the toys and Woody's jealousy. Both songs have strong melodies and lyrics by Newman, but it's "You've Got a Friend in Me" that EVERYONE remembers. Seriously, when I was growing up, everyone and their mother knew this song, sang this song, and still sings this song whenever Toy Story is brought up in conversation. Newman's score gives the film a universally recognizable sound, making the music just as important for the film's success as the beloved characters and groundbreaking animation.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
It's amazing when a film you loved as a child can be just as good, if not better when you've reached adult status. I can gladly say that Toy Story is one of those types of animated movies. I strongly recommend seeing and owning the film in your DVD collection.
Comment below to share your thoughts on the movie or to discuss a topic that I left out of my review
Toy Story and movie images are copyrighted by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios
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