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

One of the best animated movies in a long time.

The characters are great and they are really funny. In case some people have not seen it yet, I want to tell them what it's about. There's this cowboy named Woody, he was the loved toy of this boy(owner) named Andy. This toy of course could talk or else there would not be a story. But he was not the only toy, there were many other regular toys like Rex the dinosaur, Lenny the binocular(really cute), Mr.Potato Head, the Aliens(my faorite)etc. Woody was always played by Andy but on Andy's birthday, he got a so called space ranger. This space ranger was named Buzz Lightyear. He was then the liked one of the clan, all the toys thought he was cool even Andy. Woody was unhappy about this so he tried to get rid of him which kind of suceeded. Then had this whole adventure, and they(or Woody) found out that jealousy was not the key. So, they all became wonderful friends. If you really really really or just really like this movie, go out and get it. I thought this movie was perfect for all ages. I give it 5***** stars. Everything was perfect, the plot, the setting and the characters. The color was magnificant, they had many dark and right for the picture colors. They picked the right people to put the voices in the movie, and I also really like those people. Even thougth it was an animated flick used with a computer, I really felt all of it. I felt the characters and how they were suppose to be and the story. I love the lines of the characters, they said many funny things. Buzz Lightyear said, in the beginning when he came, when Woody was jealous of him "You are a sad, strange, little man. You have my pity. Farewell." Also when they were in the same scene, some characters said: Mr, Potato Head: How come you don't have a laser Woody? Woody: It's not a laser! It's a little light that blinks! Hamm:What's wrong with him? Mr. Potato Head: Laser envy. To conclude this, it's the bestest animated movie I have ever seen.

5 Stars To Infinite and beyond!

Love this movie! It's cute and funny! Not only are the computer animated graphics brilliant, the story is creatively plotted out.

It's a warmhearted story about a boy named Andy whose favorite toy, Woody, feels suddenly left out when a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, "replaces" him. The relationship between Woody and Buzz goes from jealousy and hate, but once they're put in a situation where they are left to fend for themselves in order to survive, all that changes into learning how to accept each other for their differences and becoming friends. It definitely contains valuable lessons for children young and old, and maybe children will learn how to treat their toys better. In addition, I love a movie that can convey every emotion, from happy to sad to happy again... And "Toy Story" is it! I love this movie! And I'm sure that even if you're not into watching children movies or cartoons, you'll still enjoy what "Toy Story" has to offer. And if you enjoy "Toy Story", you'll also fall in love with "Monsters, Inc.", another Pixar creation. But be sure to check out "Toy Story" first!

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.