Movie Night: Toy Story 2.

Review #441: Toy Story 2.

Cast

Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Kelsey Grammer (Stinky Pete), Joan Cusack (Jessie), Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Jim Varney (Slinky Dog), Wallace Shawn (Rex), John Ratzenberger (Hamm), Annie Potts (Bo Peep), Estelle Harris (Mrs. Potato Head), Wayne Knight (Al McWhiggin), John Morris (Andy), and Laurie Metcalf (Ms. Davis) Directed by John Lasseter (#440 - Toy Story), Lee Unkrich, and Ash Brannon.

Review

Ever have a film sequel that actually might be better than the original? (yes, you could answer Empire Strikes Back, or Spider-Man 2, or Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, but let's not get too off topic) Toy Story 2 manages to evoke that question, and it could be argued that it is better. This might feel tired, or stale (or both) coming from me, but the Toy Story trilogy could arguably the best film trilogy ever made (I...will probably take that back at some point, but yeah. That and the ambiguities of their being a potential fourth Toy Story), but oh well. Hanks and Allen again do a good job, but Grammer is a fine villain, and it is nice to watch Newman-I mean Wayne Knight in this film. The animation doesn't change too much, consistent, but very well done. There's not a whole lot to say about the film either because I'm sure everybody in the world has at least said something of the film, or because continuously giving praise over and over to different but similar subjects gets repetitive after a while. The film is good nonetheless, and Pixar once again did a fine job. Not bad for a film that originally was going to be a direct to video sequel (Gee, doesn't that sound similar *cough* Planes), isn't it? Countdown to 450 Reviews: 10, 9...

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Up.

Review #288: Up.

Cast
Ed Asner (Carl Fredricksen), Jordan Nagai (Russell), Bob Peterson (Dug), Christopher Plummer (Charles F. Muntz), Pete Docter (Kevin), Elizabeth Docter (Ellie), Delroy Lindo (Beta), Jerome Ranft (Gamma), and John Ratzenberger (Tom) Directed by Pete Docter (#074 - Monsters, Inc.) and Bob Peterson.

Review
This is the 6th Pixar film I've reviewed here (#074 - Monsters, Inc, #153 - The Incredibles, #155 - Finding Nemo, #158 - Ratatouille, #222 - WALL-E.), the previous five were very good, none having a rating below 9/10. Does this continue the trend? I think you know the answer if you've seen the film: Yeah, pretty much. Asner does a great job, making the character range from grumbling to even smiling at times. Also I love the fact he resembles Spencer Tracy, giving him an even more good look. There is some action, which reminds me an old adventure (especially with the zeppelin. There is even a newsreel at the beginning). But what gives the film its ultimate edge is its emotional depth. The scene between Carl and his wife Ellie is really warming and touching with a bit of tear inducing all into one, and that's a bit rare in films. Before I forget, the animation is excellent, which helps give more of an adventurous theme in a strange place. In the end, this is a triumph for Pixar that is a film for everyone.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.