There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.

Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas

First full length computer animated movie

Toy story set the standard for all future computer animated stories. The story is simple is about a boy named Andy and his toys. When Andy leaves (or when no humans are around) the toys xcome to life). Andy's favorite toy is a cowboy doll named Woody.
Andy and his family are moving (probably getting away from the "kid from Hell" next door). Before the move Andy has a birthday party. Birthday parties and Christmas are a toys most trying time periods because they could be replaced by another toy. Andy gets a new Toy , a space toy called Buzz Lightyear. Buzz replaces Woody and Woody becomes Jelous. Buzz really thinks he is Buzz Lightyear. Well they end up getting lost together then eventually end up next door with Kid Evil named Sid. Sid is a child with serious issues. He takes his toys, and his sisters, and makes these creatures out of them. Buzz realizes that he really is a toy and not Buzz Lightyear. Woody tells Buzz thier is no greater honor in being a toy and making a child happy. They escape the house and how they did it is funny. The toys decide to come to life right before sid thus turning him into a basket case. Woody and Buzz then catches up with Andy and is family.

"This isn't flying, this is falling with style."

Animation took a bold step forward with John Lasseter's "Toy Story." For the first time in cinematic history, a feature-length animated film was completely generated by computer - and the results were spectacular. Thanks to the fertile imagination of the Pixar animators, Woody and Buzz have become beloved staples in the pop culture landscape.

Andy's birthday arrives and he receives a number of gifts. One toy in particular becomes the center of attention in the household - a doll of a space ranger named Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Buzz's arrival upsets the social order of Andy's other toys as he displaces a cowboy doll named Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) as Andy's favorite toy. Jealous of his new rival, Woody schemes to get back into his owner's good graces but matters get out of hand when he causes Buzz to fall into the clutches of a sadistic neighbor. Trying to make amends for his error in judgment, Woody attempts to rescue Buzz before Andy and his family leave for their new home.

"Toy Story" is dazzling to look at. The level of detail in every frame of this film is nothing short of astonishing. Yet, what makes "Toy Story" truly special is its clever script. The dialogue is sharp from start to finish and the situations the characters find themselves in are wonderfully amusing. The voice work is also strong across the board as Allen, Hanks, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, and Annie Potts all distinguish themselves. The greatest triumph of "Toy Story" though is its ability to appeal both to youngsters and adults. The characters will keep the kids smiling while the nostalgia generated by the Andy's affection for his beloved toys will remind grown-ups of the similar love they held toward their own playthings. Kudos to Pixar for putting together such an important and entertaining film.

Toy Story

1995's "Toy Story" was the first feature length film generated entirely by computers, and Pixar's first dive into theatrical films. The movie opens as young Andy turns 7. The undisputed leader of Andy's toys, a 50's cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks), finds himself challenged by the new toy on the block, "space ranger" Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). When Woody's plan to get rid of Buzz backfires, the two find themselves lost in the suburbs. Woody and Buzz relize they have to work together to get back to Andy's, and they eventually become the best of friends. The humor and animation is terrific, and a great start for Pixar. This lead to several other successes, such as A Bug's Life and Finding Nemo.

Now on to "the vaults". Disney is trying to squeeze every last penny out of the cash cow, and have the two Toy Story films under lock and key, no doubt so they can sell millions of "Special Editions" in five years. Once again, Disney appalls me with their unmatched corperate greed. In conclusion, Toy Story is an excellent film and a true must-see.