Rating: ****
Release Date: 11/24/99
Director: John Lasseter
Music: Randy Newman
Animation: Pixar
Cast: Tim Allen, Tom Hanks
The toys are back in town! Another depressing, yet utterly delightful outing from Pixar that picks up where the original "Toy Story" (1995) left off. Although it offers more of the same, it still manages to be fresh and clever. In many respects, it might even surpass the original. All of the "Star Wars" gags and subtle in-jokes were thoughtful and intelligent, instead of being obnoxious like certain other pop culture referential cartoons. Ahem. Anyway, this time around, Buzz, Woody, and the gang have to deal with their greatest enemy yet - the evil toy collector. This nasty guy actually kidnaps Woody with the intention of selling him and his entire Woody's Roundup collection to a toy museum in Tokyo for big bucks. All of the other toys mount a rescue, and the adventure begins! Absolutely stunning animation, and it's a real treat to see all of the characters again. Lots of fun and excitement, but overly sensitive and sentimental guys like me will probably go through a couple tissues before it's all over.