Toy Story 2

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Toy Story 2 is a 1999 American animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Ash Brannon, it is the sequel to the 1995 film Toy Story. The film features the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, along with Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, and John Ratzenberger. In Toy Story 2, Woody is stolen by a toy collector, prompting Buzz Lightyear and his friends to vow to rescue him. However, Woody discovers his origins as a television star and must choose between living in a museum or returning to his life as Andy's toy.

Plot

While Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is accidentally damaged and put on a shelf. He is then stolen by Al McWhiggin, a greedy collector who recognizes Woody as a valuable collectible from the 1950s TV show Woody's Roundup. Buzz Lightyear, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete the Prospector—all characters from the show—are also part of Al's collection. Buzz and a group of Andy's toys set out on a mission to rescue Woody. During his time with the collection, Woody learns about his past and must decide whether to return to Andy or stay with his new friends in the museum.

Production

Toy Story 2 was originally intended as a direct-to-video release, but after the project's scope and ambition grew, it was upgraded to a theatrical release. The film's production was troubled, with a tight schedule that required the team to complete the film in nine months. Despite these challenges, Toy Story 2 was completed on time and became one of the first sequels to gross more than its predecessor.

Reception

Upon release, Toy Story 2 received critical acclaim, with praise for its animation, voice acting, and the emotional depth of its story. It was a box office success, earning over $497 million worldwide. The film won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "When She Loved Me" performed by Sarah McLachlan.

Legacy

Toy Story 2 is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made and has been included in various lists of the top films of the 1990s. It was followed by two sequels, Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019), both of which received critical acclaim and commercial success. The film has been re-released in home media and 3D, further cementing its legacy as a pivotal work in the history of animation.