Pixar Perfect Review #11 - Toy Story 2

Ride like the wind, Bullseye!

[@TheRealJims]

Music credits: 0:00 "river of sine waves" by posu yan 2:52 "So Long and Thanks For All The..." by Red Tailed Fox 8:28 "'Til We Meet Again" by DCT 13:06 "Chasing Waterfalls" by Blue Magic 16:37 "Toadofunksky" by Yoann Turpin

[@snaketooth0943]

12:49 "wee bit"? Are you Scottish? I am.

[@Rubberman202]

It's interesting how you talk about Toy Story 2 as a means of setting up Toy Story 3, since I don't think Pixar was originally going to make a third Toy Story. On the other hand, the way things played out is so perfect, you'd swear Pixar had it all planned out, including the timing of when Toy Story 3 was released.

[@ToonReel001]

While it's a forgivable oversight, I think it's a shame you didn't talk about Bullseye. Sure he's a more minor character without much of an arc, but he does kind of fit the themes you discussed. Notice that he's never dead set on going to the museum, he doesn't turn on or manipulate Woody for being against it, he's sad but he wants him to be happy (which dumbfounds Woody who he thinks he should consider 'the bad guy'). He just wants the whole gang to be friends, he's fine with whatever setup so long as he's with them, thus when Woody suggests they all just go to Andy's instead of the museum, he instantly shrugs and goes with it. He is arguably the one member of the 'Roundup Gang' that actually unselfishly cares about Woody as an individual rather than a means out of their unfulfilled lives. It's a small quiet but sweet role that does help Woody feel less alienated within the conflict in those scenes.

[@cianryan5955]

"The box" is also a clever metaphor for the eternal box, ie: the coffin. In essence, the toys are afraid of dying.

[@snaketooth0943]

Ah, I see.

[@VNReader]

Toy Story 2 is easily one of my favourite Pixar movies and it's also easily my favourite Toy Story movie. I'd almost be offended if anyone else did this Pixar ranking but Jim you have such a great way of conveying your opinions that it's almost brain washing me into re-ranking my Pixar movies. Also I'm glad that you still haven't covered The Good Dinosaur. I wouldn't call it one of Pixar's best but I still love it and you ranking it as highly as you will is almost the karma it deserves for its heavy beatings from people.

[@TheRealJims]

Thanks! It's funny, we've kinda reached the point where films only get ranked where they are because I don't want to rank anything else lower... It is PAINFUL putting any of the films at #10. But don't let me brainwash you! I tend to be a "Toy Story 3" guy, so I hope the constant comparisons didn't detract from the review. I didn't want my critiques of the climax to come off as, "I sure wish this movie was the same as #3." "3" tries to sell you all the answers, whereas I feel like there's something more compelling about the more theoretical and doubt-driven stance of "Toy Story 2."

[@razkable]

I like how Jessie is the damsel in distress cause when we see her in the suitcase shes curled up in the fetal position showing her re-enact how she felt when Emily rejected her cause she feels like she will be in storage again and alone ....she has given up hope and it thematically makes sense cause of what she has been through emotionally in the past....it makes no sense for her to get revenge on pete as if he is the only reason why she wanted to be on display..that's not why she wanted to be admired in the first place...she has her own sad reasons for wanting to be admired and she does get a big action set piece after to show her true feelings at that point and attitude about wanting to stay ...it shows how she needs woody to save her from that fate and ho it will be different this time cause she is saved by her buddy woody bullseye and love interest buzz....

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

in my mind toy story 2 shall always be the greatest pixar film ever made

[@doctoreggnog6644]

Toy Story 2 is my favorite of the 3 by a fair amount. Growing up, I was a fat nerd who got upset when good shows got cancelled, but I didn't play with toys much, so I connected to this one the most.

[@razkable]

The villains are the worst part of 2 but besides them the movie is perfect ..a lot of the film is about internal issues rather than external ones ..so it makes sense for the villains to be pushed aside unlike in the other 2 films where they are the focus sorta of the climax ...I liked how the climax was just about an accident occurring aka Jessie being taken away ..not some random bad guy doing bad things

[@MJTRadio]

Toy Story 2 didn't stop me from amassing the small collection of figurines I now own, but it definitely does affect how I handle them. I'm not a hardcore collector by any means, my most valuable figure at the time of purchase was 100 bucks, but that's still a lot to me. And I've taken all of them out of their boxes and found little places in my home they can be admired and stand among their brethren without any material between them.It does a lot to decrease their financial value, but I honestly get sad thinking about how long some of them were cooped up in boxes and never let out before I bought them.

[@TheRealJims]

Thankfully none of our collectibles are actually alive! :D (...I think.) Although I do feel a little guilty about all the stuff I've hoarded over the years that I'm not actually using. Pixar seems to have a lot to say about materialism in their films.

[@MJTRadio]

They're mostly Batman figures and amiibo, so at least if they are sentient, they hopefully all get along. Thanks for the reply by the way, love your stuff.

[@MrBump2]

I've been watching this movie constantly for almost 2 decades and I never realized that whole clear box thing with Jessie. You sir, have just blown my mind to smithereens.

[@snaketooth0943]

For a while I thought Stinky Pete was a bad villain, but after re-watching it recently in preparation for Toy Story 4 I noticed just how manipulative he is. He tells Woody "it's a dangerous world out there.. for a Toy" and tells Woody to go and talk to Jessie before he leaves, knowing that she would guilt-trip him into wanting to stay with them and go to Tokyo. Also, Al from Al's Toy Barn is kinda fun, if a bit two dimensional.

[@MrMarinus18]

I don't think Al's two dimensional nature is that big a deal, he's fun and he doesn't have too much screentime. With Stinky Pete I'm not sure what really is "manipulation" cause I think he actually believes the vast majority of what he is saying. I also think it is important for Woody to listen to Jessie side as well and it makes sense that he would believe the outside world to be dangerous as he never experienced it.

[@TheRealJims]

Production Notes: 1. I got a pretty bad cold the day before I was going to do the voiceover recording, hence the delay. Then, a 14 minute review magically turned into an 18 minute review. Weird how that happens. 2. I feel like “Toy Story 3” makes “Toy Story 2” an even better film than it already was. Pixar didn't really plan what they were going to do in advance, so it's kinda startling how “2” retroactively connects to “3.” It feels like they deliberately built “Toy Story 3” on the shoulders on “Toy Story 2" in a very pronounced way. Even more than how "1" and "2" are connected. Everything I like about the third film is planted here. 3. I admit to a little trolling of “Up” fans with the last hint. I couldn't resist. I'll make it up by admitting that we won't see “Up” in the next 2 reviews either. ;) 4. After seeing Guardians of the Galaxy 2 last Thursday, I can't stop listening to "Mr. Blue Sky" every single night. That song is so darn great.

[@razkable]

I don't think pixar is clever...I think they had 3 years to perfect a sequel and they did their best to rewrite it and make it clean ...a lot of films could use that extra few checks and changes to touch up the story ..like you said adding rex at the start makes his reveal less shocking ...same thing when Andy mom noticed how woody was in his hands already and then we establish she was not an idiot or careless he just robbed her...making him the clear bad guy ..theres no redemption ...pixar usually gives a lot more thought into the story feeling fleshed out rather than just things randomly happening ...they like to have stuff in act 1 come back later

[@tomthefish6064]

*subscribed for Simpsons commentary* *sees Pixar commentary* Nice 🌚

[@razkable]

Tom the Fish: What did you do to my drink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..SpongeBob(while gigling to himself) I ....I...Tom: you what!!!!!!!...Me: LOL

[@itscompletelyunderstood]

I feel Toy Story 2 is better than 3

[@snaketooth0943]

**Spits out imaginary coffee** what? Even after Toy Story 3's climax and ending climax? You uncultured swine!

[@TheTTVCrew]

Toy Story 3 is far better. Toy Story 2 feels goofy and unprofessional at times.

[@snaketooth0943]

@@TheTTVCrew A) You do realise they've gotta appeal to the kids as well, right?and B)It's fun goofy though!

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

2 is better because its narrative is more consistent and better written.

[@snaketooth0943]

@@ultrairrelevantnobody1862 " its narrative is more consistent and better written."?

[@definitelynotevangreen1795]

Love these Pixar perfects man, adore them. Always ecstatic when I see that they've been released. Keep em coming.

[@snaketooth0943]

I think Toy Story 2 is the most balanced between fun and emotional moments. I prefer Toy Story 3 because it's more emotional but think 1, 2 and maybe even 4 are funnier. I think the Toy Story movies keep getting more emotional... until Toy Story 4. It is even less emotional than toy story 1, which I still really like. Toy Story 4 is about a 7/10 for me. My ranking of the Toy Story movies is a s follows: Toy Story 3-10/10 Toy Story 2-9/10 Toy Story 1-8/10 Toy Story4-7/10.

[@kylemorello4787]

You forgot one more checkmark in Act 1: showing the changes that transitioned from the first film. Buzz has his helmet down and is playing a video game about him with Rex. And when Rex is saying he's terrible at it, Buzz reassures him that he's better at playing Buzz than he is. This establishes that Buzz has fully accepted being a toy. And him doing a stunt while going to see Woody shows that he is now adapting his Space Ranger persona in a way that's healthy. Woody gives Buzz a rundown of how to take care of the toys and the house while he's in Cowboy Camp and Buzz helping him look for his hat establishes that they are both best friends that share the role of leadership. Mrs. Potato Head's introduction shows that they remembered her being one of Molly's presents at the end of the first film, and her now being Mr. Potato Head's wife is quickly established. They also remember Andy got a dog in the first film, and they cleverly make it look like Buster is going to be as destructive as Scud, only to reveal that he and the toys have just as much of a loving relationship as Buster and Andy does. Maybe even more, since they trained him better. Both of the latter scenes make it look like this film was planned from the start and that the Christmas scene was setting up new characters that will appear in it. Not one piece of development from the first movie is left out, something that's really hard to do in sequels, even the best ones.

[@bebibroly5]

As much as I disagree with the order, it isn't predictable. Plus, you give drastically better justification to your opinions. Makes watching a fun guessing game.

[@EddTheSockHead]

I absolutely love all of your reviews and as always, this was fantastic. I loved your analysis and I myself was kind of surprised to see it quite low compared to other Pixar films but after hearing your reasons why, it's very understandable. Also, it's pretty hard ranking Pixar films because most of them are great so I really admire how you're able to rank them all with positive and 'negative' feedback as to why they're situated in that certain spot on the list. I love Toy Story 2 for multiple reasons but this review also helped me open my eyes. Still a great film, of course! Can't wait to see your next review c:

[@LvlGenesis]

Great video! Toy story 2 has always been my favorite pixar movie and you did it great justice! i also love your music selections from Oc remixes DKC 3 album!

[@h2oman678]

I love your channel! It's a perfect mix of commentary and analysis!

[@TheRealJims]

Here's where things get fun. The next Pixar review(s) might take longer than expected because we're doing a double-header! Up first, a movie about fear... (3)

[@ItsThatRetro]

Monsters Inc?

[@auggiecunningham]

TheRealJims Monsters Inc. is the only one I can think of, maybe Inside Out, but that's kind of reaching

[@iam9991000]

Finding Nemo?

[@jacktoonlink3415]

The Good Dinosaur?

[@TheRealJims]

I re-watched both the #9 and #8 movies tonight and kind of want to write 30-minute epics on each of them. Someone please take away my computer.

[@ashwolftheva2891]

YES! LOTR REFERENCE! It was a quick one, but I loved it!

[@ink1931]

I always wondered why Rex plays a 3D Buzz Lightyear game with an SNES controller lol

[@ink1931]

i also noticed that the repair man in this film is actually geri from geri's game

[@ResidueVG]

Yeah same, so I came up with the idea that it was a dragons lair type game or something idk lol

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Me too

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Me too

[@itscompletelyunderstood]

You too?

[@TheObbster]

I think Toy Story 2 is the best in the trilogy.

[@jarltryggvi]

I am rather sad Buzz peaked in this entry. Was hoping for something meaningful from him in Toy Story 4

[@Spiderman-wt8hb]

Actually, the video game opening was derived from a cut opening from the first movie about a buzz light year cartoon.

[@trunksrocks1]

I'm not a huge fan of Toy Story 3, but then again, the last time I willingly watched it from beginning to end was on a shady website my cousin found that eventually destroyed my mom's computer.

[@joshuaadams181]

This review is as good as the movie

[@abewilson6830]

Whoa, i just noticed, is the old guy who fixes woody the guy from Geri's game?

[@redpillfreedom6692]

He's definitely modeled after him.

[@_Mark41]

Unpopular opinion: I think that toy story 1 is better and more rewatchable than 3d and the 2nd.

[@Rubberman202]

Toy Story 2 is my favorite of the Toy Story movies, it's got more depth and looks better than Toy Story 1, but doesn't get quite as intense as Toy Story 3 (at least for my liking, Toy Story 3 is a fantastic movie, but I legitimately prefer how good this movie ultimately makes me feel in the end as opposed to sobbing into my hands). The backstory behind this movie is kind of insane, too; this was originally supposed to be a direct-to-video movie, but Disney saw how that was looking and decided to bump it up to a theatrical release, to which Pixar was like "no wait, this isn't good enough for theaters" and basically decided to write everything from scratch in the limited time Disney allowed them. A lot of scenes were apparently improvised by the animators themselves, and there was even a point where some random glitch made them lose EVERYTHING and were fortunate enough to have someone have a back-up of it all at home. Given all that went down with this movie, it's a miracle it didn't wind up a colossal mess, let alone a movie that manages to be as good as, if not BETTER, than the original!

[@greenhowie]

The post credits scene where Flik is excited about A Bug's Life 2 made me laugh. Would have preferred the movie though...

[@skibot9974]

What don’t you like about Toy Story 2

[@Super_Mario128]

you'll like Amy, she's an artist.

[@undergalaxy775]

Holy crap they called her Emily like Jessie's owner in spanish now everything makes sense

[@demontorch]

I just realized that was a tattoo joke

[@matti.8465]

Toy Story 2 is probably the most needing of a sequel movie i've ever seen. It leaves Woody with the question of "What are you going to do when Andy grows up and throws you away?" They make it extremely clear that it WILL happen, it's inevitable and the best Woody can do is enjoy the time he has. Without a sequel, thinking about this movie makes you a little nervous, there was a happy ending but you know the toys will be thrown away someday. The only logical direction for a sequel to do is show that moment suddently arriving. At least with the third movie you get the feeling that, while it will happen again someday, they'll probably come up with something, after all, the new Lotso-less Sunnyside isn't out of the question. That's why i think the fourth movie won't have Bonnie growing up, we already saw them facing that, it'd be boring.

[@train4292]

Reading this comment with TS4 now out in the open in mind, it makes it a lot more interesting considering what happened in THAT movie

[@poogmaster1]

Was the alligator alive the whole time?

[@freakfoxvevo7915]

Alive was the alligator the entire time

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Anyone who thinks toy story 3 is better than 2, step right up, Iets have a flame battle. The rules are simple the first one to get the other side to either admit that they are wrong or run out of arguments wins.

[@eemelijaaskelainen4437]

Toy Story 3 is the best one, nuff said! Nah jk I love both second and third TS movies equally

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

toy story 2 is far superior!

[@Sahantara]

Can you please make a playlist for Pixar Perfect reviews? I'd love to bingewatch them, but it's takes a lot of time to find and open every episode separately.

[@TheRealJims]

Good idea, I have added a playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLaRiYy9wFRERE1FVmHjL5BNpqTUd7OZ3s

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

oh my god i love this film! it's my favorite film of all time! it's perfect! it has no problems whatsoever! there are no bad scenes in it! god i fucking love this film!

[@mattthesilent777RED]

This was my favourite

[@darkninjafirefox]

I think the climax would have been cool if woody was in the plane & Jessie got him with Buzz

[@princecaspian2648]

damn good job on this video. loved it! 5/5

[@Jan_Iedema]

And so my obsession with zurg was born and 17 years later it’s still going strong

[@danieljosephbestguy5990]

So after a long time I've decided to give a commentary on this but Toy Story 2 is both my favourite Pixar and animated film of all time. To me it just happens to convey all the perfect Pixar elements for a child's adventure film as well as aiming it for an adult audience. It basically does what you said. Continue what we've learnt in the first movie and expand that concept more. It even has more links to 3 than it has with 1. The first movie might have had overtly darker elements in the visual aspect with the scenes at Sid's house and the rough animation on the dog. But the second one actually explores much more mature themes with a lot of serious and emotional talk. Jessie's song truly is one of the most poignant and sad moments in Pixar and dare I say, Disney history. Of course it goes without saying that the third film is the darkest in the franchise and I'm curious to know what you'd think of the fourth film which I would say is more on par with the tone of the second film. Woody and Buzz's relationship was the crux of the first film and that is what I think makes the original very special in its screen writing, here it does focus more on Woody specifically. However, I think the idea that they decided to divide the plot in two halves for most of the film with Woody being stuck, stolen by a villain, meeting new characters and developing, while Buzz and the rest of Andy's gang we were introduced to in the first film set off and look for him coming across several different scenarios and locations, are equally as important because they create the perfect balance between the light-hearted comedy of their plot vs the drama of Woody's central plot. And it's like you said, parallel to Finding Nemo, another favourite of mine in that aspect only that the roles are reverted plus the comedy and drama admittedly isn't as divided or contrasted as it is here. That film managed to stay a bit more consistent within its tone, but Toy Story 2 might have that more adventurous tone I'm slightly more fond of in how despite me watching it as a kid and being entertained by it like with any other film, looking at it from a structural standpoint it's one of those plots and stories where you never know where it's going to lead into the next scene. Especially Woody's decision making and how the Prospector manages to excellently manipulate him as well as his sympathy for Jessie. Also Stinky Pete's the first real toy villain in the series who's not a human danger or obstacle the toys can't avoid and must fight against it. He actually holds genuine animosity towards our main characters all while trying to be nice and cunning until he reveals himself at the end. Only needing Woody just to get what he wanted. They'd obviously make a bigger and darker villain with Lotso in the third movie but in a way, based off a similar premise with Stinky Pete but with a higher scale of power and grandeur. As well as taking the element of Jessie's backstory and rubbing it in further. It's also the only film which showcases Buzz's leadership at its best after his delusion seen in the first film and we even get more interaction with Andy's toys as they're more present throughout this film searching for Woody than when they were seen in the confines of Andy's house in 1. It's also the film which definitely takes place around the most different settings, followed by the first film. I admit I was a bit more entertained by the "subplot" as a kid because of how hilarious and action-packed it was, especially with Utility Belt Buzz and Zurg added in the mix, but I still see its relevance now as a perfect backdrop to Woody's journey and when they collide together it's just the perfect outcome. While 3 will always be hailed as the more epic sequel in the series without counting the first one that started it all, I will stand by 2 as my favourite animated film and movie sequel of all time.

[@TheRealJims]

Thanks for the write up! I hadn't thought about Toy Story 4 returning to 2 in terms of design (thematically I feel like it's combines 2 and 3), but it's a good comparison. It doesn't get as dark or as grand of scope as 3 but it's not like they returned to a smaller scale character conflict like 1. They pull on a lot of similar strings as 2 without going to an extreme situation

[@danieljosephbestguy5990]

@@TheRealJims I kind of agree!

[@donlocke]

Please consider doing a 'character profile' series exploring your favourite formative moments in each of the Simpsons characters lives. Like start with Krusty.

[@Nic33rd]

Solid analysis, as always. Keep it up, Jim.

[@tlsupport5068]

Do all toys act the same as if They meet another Woody would it act like the Woody we know ?

[@MapleCreepy]

great video as always!

[@BlueLightningSky]

Did your Simpsons timeline video get deleted again?

[@TheRealJims]

Yes, "The Past" video this time. I filed a counter last week, hopefully it'll be back up next week.

[@RyanTheDark]

And to think, they all did this perfect movie in mere 9 months and it had worked off.

[@rexl.6323]

Wait, so what IS the bizzaro version of Finding Nemo?

[@train4292]

Good dinosaur

[@ArsonRaboot]

0/10 review. Why did the simpsons guy not mention that stinky Pete was voiced by slideshow Bob?

[@chantaethomas6718]

That's. A. Counter stoper Means good.

[@lilbigmick2004]

Wow

[@TheTTVCrew]

Honestly, I don't love this movie. It feels very goofy at times. The tone isn't well balanced either. I mean, come on, they have my favorite scene in the movie where Woody and Buzz disagree on what Woody should do, and it gives a moment for Woody to reflect on what he really desires, but then the NEXT thing that happens is a Star Wars parody. It just feels so weird and out of place. Like it's fanmade.

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

That's not really out of place. Stinky Pete is revealed to be a villain. Al has to get to the airport quickly, and Buzz and the gang have to rescue Woody fast. Plus the film showed Zurg earlier so it was going to happen (plus it's a really fun parody).

[@GeriatricFan1963]

I think stuff like the Empire Strikes Back parody are exactly what does keep the tone balanced. I think for example if it was scene after scene of Woody debating with the roundup gang whether he wants to be immortalised behind glass forever or loved and played with by Andy until he grows up, would become a lot heavier and maybe overbearing. We need that lighter stuff to break it up; it's not out of place because Wrong Buzz and Zurg were already set up in the Al's Toy Barn sequence.

[@TheTTVCrew]

@@ultrairrelevantnobody1862 It is totally out of place. It isn't that it's a Zurg scene, it's that it's a Star Wars parody. You totally missed the point.

[@TheTTVCrew]

@@GeriatricFan1963 The tone is balanced through light hearted moments and jokes, not random pop culture parodys.

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

You do realize pop culture parodies are also jokes?

[@tarponpet]

Are you ever gonna review the third film?

[@ivorstirling4263]

EmpLemon sent me

[@mes0gots0its]

Same

[@snaketooth0943]

12:49 "wee bit"? Are you Scottish? I am.

[@Steamer96]

Toy Story 4 was better than 3.