Toy Story (30th Anniversary)

Back in the mid 90s when there was talk of an all together new form of creating animation was being formed, it was difficult to comprehend that this animated film would be created totally by computer, and this film was Pixar Animation Studios' "Toy Story" with an all star voice cast including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts and Don Rickles to mention a few. After that became a box-office bonanza, they went on to produce three sequels--all of which profited. Now, after a 30-year period, we have the re-release of "Toy Story" (30th Anniversary).

A little toy named Andy (John Morris) loves to be in his room, playing with his toys, especially his doll named Woody (Tom Hanks). But, what do the toys do when Andy is not with them? They come to life. Woody believes that his life (as a toy) is good, however he must worry about Andy's family moving, and what Woody does not know is about Andy's birthday party. Woody doesn't realize  that Andy's mom gave him an action figure known as Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), who does not believe that he is a toy, and quickly becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, who is now consumed with jealousy, tries to get rid of Buzz. But by attempting this, both Woody and Buzz are now lost. They must find a way to get back to Andy before he moves without them, but they will have to pass through a ruthless toy killer, next door neighbor Sid Phillips (Erik von Detten). 

Others to round out the cast are Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Jim Varney as Slinky Dog, Laurie Metcalf as Mrs. Davis, R. Lee Ermey as Sergeant and Sarah Freeman as Hannah.

After watching this film, I can see why three other sequels were made since this was brilliantly created. It was wonderously directed by John Lasseter ("A Bug's Life" '98, "Toy Story 2" '99, "Cars" '06, "Cars 2" '11) plus TV, shorts and videos. His direction was so realistic, it almost gave the feeling that these characters were live--and this was 30 years ago! It was also brilliantly written by Joss Whedon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" '92, "Alien: Resurrection" '97, "Titan A.E." 2000, "Serenity" '05, "The Cabin in the Woods" '11, "The Avengers" '12, "Much Ado About Nothing" '12, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" '15, "Justice League" '17) plus TV, shorts, videos and a video game, Andrew Stanton ("Monsters, Inc." '01, "John Carter" '12, "Lightyear" (addl. material) '22) plus TV, shorts and videos, Joel Cohen ("Hot Money" '86, "Sister, Sister" '87, "Pass the Ammo" '87, "Monster Mash: The Movie" '95, "Money Talks" '97, "Goodbye Lover" '98, "Cheaper by the Dozen" '03, "Garfield: The Movie" '04, "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" '06) plus TV, shorts and video games and Alec Sokolow ("Monster Mash: The Movie" '95, "Money Talks" '97, "Goodbye Lover" '98, "Cheaper by the Dozen" '03, "Garfield: The Movie" '04, "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" '06, "Rymdresan" '20, "Magic Arch 3D" '20) plus TV, shorts, videos and a TV movie, based on an original story by John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and Joe Ranft. What made this film a true success was that of a very simplistic premise, which was that toys come to life, have feelings and with that are more than mere inanimate objects. It was pure genius! This was a story that, not only can kids can relate to this, but adults as well--what with the adult humor in the story.. And as this mixture made a ton of money, Pixar went on to make the three subsequent sequels which, of course, made even more money. This is true Pixar when they were great along with being amazingly entertaining. 

Certainly if you like the 'Toy Story' franchise, you'll love this. It's original, well written, directed, with an amazing voice cast all of which was the first animated film created totally by computers. Nowadays, this seems ordinary, but then it was quite the feat! 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                  Rated: G                                            82mins.