Good for kids, good for adults
 Dec 28th, 2000
Advantages:
Has two levels of storyline (for kids and adults)
Disadvantages:
None
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Characters / Performances
Special Effects
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  Excelle
About me:
Yes, I'm still bobbing around here somewhere, I'm just insanely busy with one thing and another. Fee...
Member since:23.07.2000
Reviews:215
Members who trust:102
Review rated by 14 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Computer-generated graphics are everywhere these days - on TV, on the computer (obviously) and in films. But it hasn't always been this way. There was a time about 5 years ago that there weren't any films with computer graphics. And who started the trend? Well, Toy Story of course, from graphics geniuses Pixar, who later made the wonderful Antz and Toy Story 2. It's a little piece of film history. But not only this - it's a great film as well. It's the story of the toys of Andy's Room, their life and how it affected by the arrival of a new toy. It's not a new idea - in a similar way to Bagpuss etc., the toys all come to life when no-ones looking. Woody (Tom Hanks) is Andy's favourite toy, a western style cowboy with the classic pull string mechanism on his back "Reach for the sky!". There's also a whole host of other toys, too many to mention, but a few examples are a Mr. Potato Head, a T-Rex, and the little green soldier men you always had as a kid. They all have their own personalities - it's a great concept.
The new toy is 'Buzz Lightyear' (Tim Allen) - a space age superhero with every gadget under the sun. He replaces Woody as Andy's new toy, and soon Buzz is pushed out the window and an epic journey begins to get him back. And then there's the classic villain, Sid next door who delights in maiming and mangling toys for pleasure. It's a complete cast. I say in the title that this a good film for kids, and good for adults too, and this is very true. For the children, there is the funny characters and plenty of fun and adventure to keep them interested. However, as an adult, you'll notice a lot of things you wouldn't as a child. There are plenty of in-jokes, like the actions of the toy soldiers, and the board meetings. Perhaps the biggest part for adults is in the plot. Buzz is convinced he is the 'real' Buzz Lightyear, defender of the galaxy from the evil Emperor Zerg and Space Ranger superhero. The film is also a story of his realisation he is not what he thought he was, and his struggle to come to terms with his life as a toy. He is in denial at first, and goes through a stage of depression when he eventually learns his true nature. But he soon learns to make the best of it, and Woody teaches him the joys of being a toy. There are quite profound undertones to the film, and if you appreciate these then the film will mean a lot more to you.
Other than this, the graphics are excellent, down to the smallest details, and the voice acting is also brilliant - the voices really bring the characters to life. The soundtrack is excellent, and the plotline is inspired. Overall, this is a wonderful film - a landmark and a classic in it's own time. I would recommend you go out and get this film right now - you'll never look back.
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![Toy Story [DVD] [1996]](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/icons/no_pic_generic_S1.gif)
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Toy Story [DVD] [1996]
There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about ...
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£ 29.95
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 719 Ratings
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by (14%):
07.03.2001 23:06
I thought that this film was quite good but Toy Story 2 was far funnier, the outtakes at the end are a very nice touch too.