Common Sense Media Review
Stunning, witty, exciting, enchanting, and moving.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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Toy Story 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 68 parent reviews
Parents say that this animated sequel is a delightful watch for families, successfully tackling themes of friendship and purpose that resonate with both children and adults. However, some reviews express concerns about perceived intense scenes and inappropriate language, suggesting it may not be the best fit for very young viewers.
- family-friendly themes
- mixed reviews
- concerns of intensity
- enjoyable for all ages
- entertaining characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 133 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a captivating sequel that engages audiences with its emotional depth, humor, and the introduction of beloved characters like Jessie and Bullseye. While some feel it eclipses the original for its character development and charm, others see it as less impactful, noting occasional mature themes and a more complex narrative that might not be suited for younger viewers.
- emotional depth
- character development
- humor and fun
- family-friendly
- new characters
Summarized with AI
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?
This film is stunning, witty, exciting, enchanting, and very moving, and 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 in Toy Story 2. 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the characters learn in Toy Story 2. 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?
How do the characters in Toy Story 2 demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 24, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : May 11, 2010
- Cast : Joan Cusack , Tim Allen , Tom Hanks
- Directors : Ash Brannon , John Lasseter , Lee Unkrich
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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