Toy Story 2

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Stunning, witty, exciting, enchanting, and moving.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Toy Story sequel is just as delightful as the first movie (as is the next one in the series, Toy Story 3). The plot again finds the toys banding together to rescue a fellow toy in peril; the fact that characters are separated from their loved ones could scare or upset the youngest viewers. There are also some tense scenes with characters in danger (though no one gets seriously hurt) and a very poignant sequence involving Jessie the Cowgirl. But there's no sex, strong language, drinking, or other iffy content, and kids who watch will take away positive messages about teamwork, friendship, and loyalty. Note: The 3-D version of the movie includes a couple of brief scenes that might spook the youngest viewers, like the evil Zurg trying to blast Buzz, but otherwise the digital effects are played for laughs (or, as the green squeeze-toy aliens would say, "Oooh ... aaah").

  • No overtly educational content, but kids will learn about the importance of friendship and honesty.
  • The movie has strong positive themes about loyalty, friendship, and teamwork. Characters learn lessons about themselves and others. Strong message about enjoying life's joys.
  • The toy characters once again go to great lengths to rescue a friend in trouble. The movie's villain is clearly motivated by greed and eventually gets his comeuppance. A supporting character betrays one of the main characters due to his own hurts and suspicion -- but this is clearly shown to be wrong. Feisty Jessie is a welcome addition to the gang.
  • Some tense scenes show the main characters in peril. Some slapstick falls; characters fight/grapple (but no one is seriously hurt). One battle scene turns out to be from a video game. In the 3-D version, a couple of scenes can be briefly scary, like when Buzz's nemesis Zurg is featured. Characters' separation from their friends/loved ones could be upsetting to some younger kids.
  • Very mild flirting between toy characters.
  • Mild insults like "idiot" and "shut up."
  • Several of the Toy Story characters are recognizable brands (like Barbie, Ken, and Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head). And beyond that, the Toy Story franchise has the potential for the most merchandising tie-ins of any kid-targeted movie series. Toys, action figures, books, party supplies, plush dolls, you name it -- Disney's Toy Story characters are everywhere, especially kid favorites Woody and Buzz Lightyear. A large part of the movie takes place inside a toy store; companies/brands like Playskool and Mattel are mentioned by name -- other toy brands depicted include Operation, Tinker Toys, and Mouse Trap.

What's the story?

In TOY STORY 2, Woody (again voiced by Tom Hanks) is stolen by devious toy store owner Al (Wayne Knight), who recognizes Woody as a valuable collectable. With Woody to complete his full set of toys from a 1950s TV show, Al can sell the collection to a toy museum in Tokyo. Woody is delighted to discover his origin and value -- and to meet up with Woody's Roundup co-stars Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Stinky Pete the Prospector (Kelsey Grammer), and faithful steed Bullseye. They tell Woody that he'll be better off in a museum than waiting for Andy to outgrow him -- and he starts to think they may be right. Meanwhile, Woody's friends organize a rescue mission led by Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) -- a series of hilarious and breathtaking adventures naturally ensues.


Is it any good?

 

Toy Story 2 is stunning, witty, exciting, enchanting, and very moving. Amazingly, it's just as good as the sensationally entertaining original. The animation is better -- the main characters' facial expressions should have qualified the animators for a Best Actor Oscar, and the backgrounds are more authentically lived in. And the script is excellent. It's very, very funny, with sly references to classic films, and it's also insightful and touching, with a sort of Velveteen Rabbit theme about the important role that a well-loved toy plays in the life of a child.

In these days when 8-year-olds can talk knowledgeably about the extra value that a "mint" tag adds to a Beanie Baby auction on Ebay, it's enormously valuable to think about the issue that Woody faces. Should he have a brief but satisfying life as the beloved friend of a child who will eventually grow up and leave him bereft? Or should he remain perfectly preserved and perpetually honored as a museum exhibit? It's a hard choice, but one that gets at the very heart of what growing up really means.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about what the characters learn in this movie. Why does Woody worry about his future? What do Jessie and Pete the Prospector teach him? Are they right?

  • Kids: What's your favorite toy? Why? Would you ever want to save it instead of play with it? Why is collecting stuff for its own sake a hollow pursuit?


This review was written by Nell Minow
Adult
March 26, 2010
 
This movie did what most sequels wish they could do...
And that is being just as good as the first one! I mean, who saw that coming? The only other sequel I feel truly pulled that off was Shrek 2. Rarely are we treated to something like Toy Story 2, a sequel that's just as good and charming as its predecessor. The writers at Pixar deserve a round of applause for pulling off what really shouldn't be the near-impossible.

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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Theft adviserey
Toy story 2 like it first is a nice movie for children. The one thing parents should consider is Theft.A man desperate to have a collection steels Woody and some children of young ages may not understand the hardship of this.

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Teen, 18 years old
June 29, 2009
 
Sweet movie, Could cause guilt about letting go of toys
As someone who saw this as a child, i know something that might not occur to adult reviewers. WHile most of the messeges are fine, there is a subplot about toys that have been abondoned that can be very upsetting to kids. And very anxiety producing in terms of letting their own toys go.

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Adult
September 7, 2009
 
My 3 and 5 year old did not like this movie. My 3 year old started crying and we had to turn it off. Not sure there was one particular incident that upset her, but more likely she was upset about the general storyline. I think the toys being abandoned is really sad for little kids. My 5 year old did not like either and usually you can't tear him away from a movie. I was very disappointed especially after reading all positive reviews. Yet again an inappropriate movie for little ones.

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Educator and Parent of 3, 3, 5, 12, and 16 year old
June 21, 2010
 
Wow, scary....
I was quite disappointed by the dark messages in the movie and how intense many of the scenes were. The happy TS scenes were few and far between. Total Bummer. I did like the last few minutes where it was sweet and wonderful.

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Teen, 17 years old
June 16, 2010
 
Ages WHAT and Up!?!
Let me tell you a story. This movie came out when I was four years old. Having watched the first Toy Story, which freaked me out a bit but I liked it anyway, I obviously watched Toy Story 2. It terrified me! To rephrase, it terrified me at the age of FOUR!! And may I note that I've always been tough for my age? I'd seen some pretty hairy movies for a 4-year-old and didn't even - well, maybe I flinched a little bit at those. But I'm just not sure if a G rating is correct. A few years later, I tried the film again and was old enough to like it. When I tried it again, I was OLDER THAN FOUR!! It soon worked its way up to being my favorite movie. Ten years have passed, so I have a new favorite, but I'll always love this movie. In fact, I'm watching it as I type. I'm a big hypocrite, so I'd let a two-year-old watch it... but you shouldn't. Allow me to explain. Near the start of the film, Woody is scared that he'll be thrown away so he dreams that he is thrown away and when he tries to climb out of the trash can, many dismembered toy arms and such grab him in a chokehold and pull him down into the dark pit of dispair that is the garbage bin. I skipped some small details, I'm just trying to give you the summary. It gives me and my parents the creeps even today. I've never seen a zombie movie before but I'm guessing it'd be a little like that. The famous Zurg we've all been hearing about is featured and he looked so creepy it scared me when I was little. I watched this film recently after many years (I lost my old copy) and, for the life of me, couldn't remember what he looked like. I almost laughed when I saw him. I was scared of that guy? Well, it has been a while since I was four. Times change, I guess. Beware, four-year-olds! I still guess you could say this movie is less scary than the original. Oh, yeah, and at the very start of the film, there's a sequence where Buzz Lightyear is fighting evil! Then Buzz gets killed. The top of his body vaporizes as his leg falls to the ground. The words GAME OVER flash on the screen. I can hear small children sighing in relief as we find out it's only someone playing a video game. One of those children being the four-year-old me. Just as in the first Toy Story, toys get mad at each other. A few names are called, nothing most kids can't say (though they still shouldn't), and a few punches are landed but it's either over very quick or very hilarious. Usually very, very hilarious. Mr. Potato Head kisses Mrs. Potato Head on the cheek and, at one point, the arm. Little Bo Peep starts to kiss Woody but, at all of the romantic moments, it's about two seconds before the scene is interrupted by something funny. Ha. Oh, and when the toys are in the toy store, Barbies are having a beach party in one of the aisles. The Swimsuit Barbies (not in bikinis but you can still see their bellies) are given some loving looks by the male toys, particularly Mr. Potato Head. But it's funny and, as I said, over quickly... somewhat. During the credits, a Buzz action figure burps. That was funny. Late in the film, there's a sticker that says "Butte" but since the sticker gets stuck on a toy's posterior, it's a pun. Gee, I think I'm making the movie sound worse than it really is without exaggerating. Weird. I think this is the only sequel in the world that lives up to the original. I think Daddy thinks the first Toy Story was better. Probably because it was scarier. That's my Dad! I only have one problem with this film: my Buzz Lightyear action figure doesn't have karate chop action or flashing lights on the wings. Though it does have my name on its shoe. What, yours doesn't? Well, go write your name on his shoe. I've got to go anyway. Don't forget to use a Sharpie! Bye. ;)

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Kid, 11 years old
March 28, 2010
 
my review
i like it

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Parent of 15 year old
June 25, 2010
 
TOY STORY 2 is amazing. Simply put. It's a sequel that does the impossible: surpass the humor, creativity, and positivity of the classic first installment. This is one of, if not the best, kids movies ever. But, just because it's perfect for kids, doesn't mean that adults won't love it. There's more than enough humor and entertainment to satisfy the most mature adult. Violence might be the only issue in the movie. There is no actual violence short of a toy's arm falling off (but it gets sewn back on again). One toy apparently falls off an elevator to his death, but is safe (and reformed) in the end. Some toys are put in peril, but mostly it's all played for laughs. The movie is one of the most positive Pixar movies out there (and that's a feat). Friendship, loyalty, love, courage, and sacrifice are major elements spoken about frequently in the film. All of the characters, save on greedy human, are great role models. Do yourself a favor, even if you don't have kids (but especially if you do!): Watch it!

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Teen, 15 years old
June 22, 2010
 
Not better than Toy Story, but a fantastic sequel.
Toy Story is back, and with a promising sequel! Here we see what Pixar kept to add from Toy Story and more experience from their previous movie, A Bug's Life. This one is much darker than the last one, with dark scenes and messages, but the characters and animation kind of covers that up. During an attempting rescue to save a toy from a yard sale, Woody is stolen by a toy collector. The other toys find out it is the advertising chicken from the Al's Toy Barn commercials (Al), and set out on a journey to rescue him. During the time in Al's appartment, Woody finds out he was a child's senstaion: his own gang, merchandise, tv show. He wanted to escape, until he found out Jessie's story about her owner outgrowing her, soon knowing Andy will soon. Buzz, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Slinky, and Rex get to Al's Toy Barn . There, Buzz is kidnapped by a new-belt equipped Buzz and stuffed into his package, tricking the other toys and heading to Al's appartment. While the real Buzz escapes and leaves, he releases Zurg, his arch rival. The real Buzz catches with the other toys in Al's appartment. Though Woody turn's them down, he changed his mind when Buzz told him toys are meant to play with. Woody convinces Bullseye and Jessie to go, but too late when Pete gets out of his box and forces them to stay as Al ships them to Japan. The toys encounter Buzz on the elevator shaft while chasing Al. They reach the airport and go inside the baggage claim area. Pete tries to stop them, but they put him inside a girls bag. Woody saves Jessie from the luggage on the train just in time when the airplane leaves. Ther is still some mild language and some scenes show violence. But, it shows the value of friendship and a nice group of characters.

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Kid, 10 years old
October 8, 2009
 
Best Movie Ever
This Was The Best 3D Movie Ever I Saw It At A Fancy Movie Theater And It Was Called Cinemark Tineltown Grapevine And This Was My First 3D Movie It Was Not Color Paper Glasses It Was Real D 3D Glasses And Was Verry Cool

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This review was written by Nell Minow
Topics:magic and fantasy, adventures, friendship
Studio:Pixar Animation Studios
Directors:Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich
Cast:Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Tom Hanks
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:92 minutes
Theatrical release date:October 2, 2009
DVD release date:May 11, 2010
MPAA rating:G

This review was written by Nell Minow
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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