Posted in
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John Ratzenberger
Tim Allen
Tom Hanks
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Genre
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Children's Fiction
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Media
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DVD
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Studio | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment | ||
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Reviewer
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Gareth
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Description
Young Andy's playthings, including the sardonic Mr. Potatohead, a Slinky Dog with a southern drawl, an anxiety-ridden dinosaur, and some very gung-ho toy soldiers, are led by Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll whom Andy adores. But on his birthday, Andy receives a self-possessed, gadget-laden spaceman action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who quickly becomes Andy's favourite. Soon the overlooked Woody becomes very jealous. However, when a turn of events leaves Buzz and Woody lost in the 'outside world,' they have to get along in order to find their way home. And they'd better do it quickly, because the lad and his family are moving tomorrow! However, their trek is interrupted by Sid, Andy's cruel, malicious neighbour who loves to destroy toys. Pixar studios revolutionised animated features with this technically spectacular and hugely enjoyable film about what children's toys do when no one else is around.
Review
A timeless classic - a Disney film for the digital age. It's difficult not to like this film - from the truly amazing, breath-taking animation to the sharp and witty script to the wonderful acting. The story is your typical buddy movie material, but with toys instead of cops and has the predictable twists and turns you'd expect with a firm moral backbone (without it being rammed down your throat). What saves this film from predictability is the fast paced script and hilarious interplay between the two lead characters. It's great to hear Tim Robbins playing the "hero" Buzz Lightyear - he brings an almost "Mel Gibson" quality to the role, but with more sympathy and it was a delight that Tom Hanks was doing comedy again. One of my favourite Tom Hanks films was Big - he made that role completely believable - his character was child-like without ever becoming child-ish- and Hanks is able to bring those qualities to the role of Woody as well.
The supporting cast is inspired as well - having toys as the main characters obviously allowed the writers to run riot with their imagination -and they do!!! In the course of the film we see: a platoon of soldiers (with a drill captain straight of Full Metal Jacket); Mr & Mrs Potato-Head and, my own personal favourite, the dinosaur who hates confrontations.
The main highlight for me is Buzz realising who he really is. His story arc is fascinating. Believing himself to be the real "Buzz Lightyear", a space ranger, he initially becomes the leader of the group -much to Woody's chagrin. When he is faced with the reality that he is just a toy he goes to pieces -his world collapses- but he is able to fight beyond that and realises that he is not "just" anything. He is able to transform himself into something beyond the limiting confines of his "Buzz Lightyear" persona - he truly goes "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!" and actually flies!
If this isn't about self-actualisation I don't know what is...
About the only thing that is a little cheesy -and also hugely ironic to me- are the songs by Randy Newman. Considering the songs he's written in the past (Short People; Simon Smith & His Amazing Dancing Bear), and his cynical, even caustic lyrics it was a source of amusement when I heard him sing "You've Got A Friend In Me.".
That aside, this is a really enjoyable film, and will appeal to the kid in everyone.
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