122. Toy Story

"You are a child's PLAY THING!"

Plot: When a young boy named Andy leaves the room, his toys come to life. When Andy gets a new action figure, Buzz Lightyear, most of the other toys are thrilled. Except for Woody, Andy's favorite toy, who is afraid he will be replaced.

I should probably provide some backstory before I begin the review... I'd seen Toy Story a couple times when I was younger. I liked it, but I didn't really think it was worth all the praise it got. So years passed, and Pixar kept churning out more and more CGI films while Disney 2Ds were on the decline (not in quality, but in popularity... Mulan and Tarzan, two of the last, are two of the best). Now, being the Disney-obsessed child that I am, I began to resent Pixar just a smidge. Okay, more than a smidge. But I've seen the light and mended my ways, and I decided to re-watch Toy Story as if I'd never seen it before.

My childhood self was an IDIOT.

Toy story is not only heartwarming and fun, but it's absolutely hilarious. The Oscar-nominated screenplay by Joss Whedon (LOVE), Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow had me in stitches. I literally went into a 5-minute-long laughing fit during the scene with the aliens in the claw machine.

I also have to mention the fact that this was, of course, the first full-length CGI film ever made. We take them for granted nowadays, but it was groundbreaking back in '95.

A great script, completely new visual format, wonderful voice cast (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, and John Ratzenberger to name a few), and overall great idea for a story. It hits on all cylinders and has appeal for both kids and adults. Shame on me the first time around for not realizing how great it is.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

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