Toy Story 1 & 2 (3D) Review

Oh my God Woody was totally kidding but Buzz fell anyway and then they saved each other and then Woody was like you're flying and Buzz was like no I'm falling with style and then Al stole Woody and Buzz had to save him but there was an evil emperor and an evil toy but then they save Jessie and everyone is so happy and also Mrs. Potato Head.

Squee.

Nostalgia can be a double-edged sword. What you remember so fondly may on a repeat visit completely shatter what you think of it. On the other hand some things are so awesome, so timeless, that they transport you back to that time, and refuse to let go. As you can probably tell, the Toy Story films (shown after 14 years as a 3D double bill) are the latter.

For those who have seen it before, understand that the films still are as funny, sweet, heroic and entertaining as you remember them, and that the 3D is not a gimmick. The films look much better, sharper, and the magic of Pixar stands up against the latest and the greatest even after 14 years. 3D brings a slightly newer depth to the scenes, but also brings renewed fascination with the absolutely adorable characters.

For those who haven't - these are what started it all. Consider that the first Toy Story is responsible for almost everything DreamWorks has produced with none of the soul. (Anthropomorphic characters, celebrity voice actors and the spirit of adventure). Consider that the first Toy Story was co-written by one Joss Whedon and one Andrew Stanton. Consider that the films star Tom Hanks as a witty Sherriff and Tim Allen as a delusional space super-hero, and at that time, this was brand new.

These are not concessions I ask you to make. I want you to think about this when you watch the films and see how utterly fresh and endearing it all still is. Despite the over-exposure of the talent behind and the animation genre in itself, the films are masterpieces that are true classics and will take you with them through the entirety of the emotional ride.

The simple reason is that the Toy Story films are not just great animated films. They are simply great films. The characters are brilliant and believable, and the drama, while palpable, is never laid on thick. The first one is quite a revelation in its plot to an extent, but especially in 2, the characters and their motivations go to surprisingly mature and dark places. When Jessie the cowgirl misses her previous owner, but shows her growing cynicism, I could feel for a toy right there. What the Prospector does subsequently also has such a ring of the human to it that you immediately know you're watching something made with care.

The films are cracking cinematically. The action is energetic, and the camera work and lighting, though digital, are no less wondrous and fantastic. The camera work especially sings when the action beats come in. If the films can make you soar with them even after 14 years, that is some solid work put in. I dare you not to whoop when Buzz "falls with style" or when Bullseye runs "like the wind".

The writing too is impeccable. You could watch it again and again to rediscover hidden gems of wit and banter throughout the films, and the fact that they are mouthed by some of the most talented voice actors is what makes the writing so special. Yes, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Kelsey Grammer and Joan Cusack are stars, but they are also impeccably gifted in becoming those animated characters.

Meanwhile genuine voice and character artists like Don Rickles, John Ratzenberger and Wallace Shawn (especially Wallace Shawn - how he managed to make Rex grow from film to film is just phenomenal) make these films utterly special. If I could, I would write an entire essay on the charming work they have done for these movies.

I can go on about anything else, too, really. The fact, though, is that the films are timeless, beautiful, and completely worth watching again and again. The sheer magic of Pixar is evident in all its glory at a cinema near you, and is incredibly good value for money to boot. Go, and take everyone who is special in your life with you. If you know anyone who hasn't experienced them yet, take them to be thoroughly enchanted and to relive the magical films yourself. Go laugh, cry, whoop with delight and grin at the best toys and one of the best films ever.