Toy Story 2 (1999)

Praises it for surpassing the predecessor and restoring credibility to family entertainment, with thrilling action for youngsters and clever in-jokes and touches for grown-ups; calls it nigh-on perfect.

The critic praises the film for capturing the emotional bond between children and their toys, emphasizing themes of love, belonging, and the fear of being forgotten. It highlights the inventive storytelling, strong voice performances, and Pixar's animation as creating a profound and entertaining experience beyond typical sequels.

The critic calls it an upgrade and species leap in animation rather than a mere sequel, praising its technical magnificence, hyperreal visuals, and human script that surpasses earlier films like The Phantom Menace. They single out the emotional power of Jessie's song "When She Loved Me" as a standout tear-jerker alongside the witty characterisation and inventive plot.

The review calls it a richer and more satisfying sequel with broadened scope, emotional depth, and boisterous humor that surpasses the original in every respect. It highlights the fresh characters, thematic poignancy around mortality, and outstanding voice work as key strengths.

The critic calls Toy Story 2 a highly superior sequel that matches the original in quality and inventiveness, with strong new characters, set-pieces and jokes. It is praised for the care taken to make it as good as the first film rather than a quick cash-in, leaving viewers wanting more.

The review celebrates the sequel's enhanced imagination and technical sophistication while maintaining the charm and wit of the original. It singles out the film's ability to blend cutting-edge animation with heartfelt storytelling about loyalty and nostalgia without sentimentality.

The critic finds the film lively and good-humored, delivering smart comedy and impressive visuals while exploring themes of mortality and identity for toys. It praises the emotional depth and inventive scenarios that make it both comic and surprisingly moving.

The critic finds Toy Story 2 flawed in its staging, direction, and overly sweet tone compared to the original, with action sequences lacking imagination. However, it remains emotionally resonant through its themes of love, loss, and the bond between toys and their owner.

The critic praises its sophisticated, melancholy understanding of toys' brief shelf-life and emotional depth, noting effective upgrades over the first film like integrated musical numbers, while acknowledging it's less fresh.

The critic finds this sequel a work of even greater wit and imagination than the first, with great gags, action and dialogue that touch the heart without sentimentality, making it wonderful for kids and adults alike.

The critic finds that John Lasseter's sequel matches the original technically, imaginatively and emotionally. The toys feel familiar on a second outing but the Pixar animation and heartfelt storytelling remain strong.