To kick this blog off to a fresh start, I'm gonna review what ought to be my most defining childhood movie of all time: Toy Story. Now, I know what you all might be thinking; how could I, a 21-year-old young man in college, still possibly enjoy a film like Toy Story to this day? Well, I'll tell ya my secret. And, no, it isn't nostalgia goggles, but rather a solid critical perspective on what makes a good movie. With that said, I'm here to address why this movie, the first ever fully computer animated movie in the industry, still holds up well today.
It's been said a number of times that this movie, regardless of its dated look, is what defined a generation's worth of computer animated following it's initial success back in autumn of 1995. If you're not feeling old just thinking about that, let me tell you I was only three months old when it came out, which is one of a number of reasons I am most joyfully fond of its existence -- although my earliest memories of it was at about three years old. At the time, it was simply a fun movie that encouraged my more imaginative side, and so I, personally, would enjoy watching over and over, again and again. It was so great even my parents wouldn't get tired of watching it with me all the hundreds of times I watched it throughout my life. So, without further adieu, let's get down to the basics on why this is truly the ideal animated film for both family and general audiences.
*MINOR SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT* (Not that it should matter as most people, by now, have most likely seen the film)
In regards to what actually makes it so good in the first place, much of it has to do with the story formula it revolutionized. For those who aren't already familiar with the plot, it's a classic buddy comedy film about a cowboy doll named Woody and a "space ranger" toy named Buzz Lightyear who initially get off on the wrong foot when Buzz shows up and snatches away all the attention from Woody's fellow toy friends as well as their owner, a young, imaginative boy named Andy (known for his innocent playtime sessions). In a series of unfortunate happenings, Woody and Buzz get wrapped up in conflict with Andy's naughty next door neighbor, Sid (known for his creative ways of destroying toys), and must work together to put aside their differences and get back home. Nowadays, this formula appears very stock, but, for the time and the effort that went into this film, it was very well done. The development of our two main characters and how they go from being ignorant towards each to helping one another overcome the hindrances preventing them from reuniting with their kid is, perhaps, among the greatest on film developments I've seen in my entire life. In a script partially written by Joss Whedon (yes, the same guy who wrote and directed The Avengers and its sequel), this is very much expected. And, though the film's main focus is on the relationship between Woody and Buzz, even the side characters have a few of their own joke moments and developments.
Part of what makes this so great to watch even now is the presentational value it holds. These characters (among them Mr. Potato Head, Slinky the Dog, and Rex to name a few), while they may all be toys that play lifeless around their owner, the clever ways in which they play off each other feel oddly organic, yet they still have a few comedic moments here and there that remind us they are, in fact, animated toys. For example, Mr. Potato Head is known for his sarcastic comments toward every other toy he comes in contact with and is not only hilarious in that regard, but also in that he often has his put-together pieces whacked off of him. The film is also very vibrant and colorful, something that Pixar would consistently perfect with its subsequent films. There's never any drab shots (probably concerning the time in which this was made seeing as technology was underdeveloped), which, overall, gives the film the optimistic feel it's going for. It is, after all, meant to encourage the idea that, although real toys are lifeless, they are meant to played with in a positive fashion.
In addition, the sound design of this movie is fantastic. The casting of Tom Hanks as Woody is downright perfect, given how much Hanks brings to his performances in general, and is the main reason I always associate Hanks' voice with this beloved character. While I can't generally say the same for the rest of the cast, all of them are great in their roles, especially Tim Allen as Buzz with his iconic line "To infinity and beyond!" The soundtrack, also, has a certain specialty about it with Randy Newman bringing to life the emotions behind the scenes mainly in which he provides his own vocals. I mean, who could possibly listen to "You've Got A Friend In Me", quite possibly the best opening song in an animated movie, and not get a sense of belonging? Surely, this is among the greatest soundtracks in any animated movie and that's not just my nostalgia talking. I happen to also know what makes great music regardless of whether or not I grew up listening to it, but that's another topic for a different blog.
Generally speaking, Toy Story is a film/series that's modeled for me what a great movie with this much heart put into it is truly made of. Despite its dated 1990s graphical quality, the overall quality of the film still holds strong to this day. And if I sound overly praising of it, know that I believe nothing negative can really be said about it. It's got a well-written story, great characters, good humor, solid presentation, a splendid choice of casting, and heartfelt score that it is very much a staple classic with any sensible family/person who loves anything animated. If anything, I give this movie an A+ rating and label it a must see for everyone of all ages!
Thanks for reading y'all and I will see you in the next review!
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