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TOY STORY 2 review
Right now, I am an emotional wreck.
It’s PIXAR’s fault.
Thank you PIXAR.
I’m trying my hardest to think of what possible words
I can write to express my heartfelt appreciation...
elation... ecstatic Pavlovian drool joy geekgasmic
thrust that this movie has left me.
I loved TOY STORY. I don’t know quite how to
express what my feelings are for TOY STORY 2.
I’m trembling. My bottom lip is quivering. Yes, I
understand... I’m supposed to be ‘ALL GROWN UP
NOW,’ but I’m not.
Yesterday at a corporate meeting at GSD&M in
coming up with the tagline for my
BUTT-NUMB-A-THON poster, they referred to me
as “a man named Harry.”
I instantly corrected them. I said, “I’m a boy.”
I am self aware of what and who I am. I am the
personification of the TOYS R US theme. I’m Peter
Pan. I don’t want to grow up.... and I never will.
There are enough self-serious grumpy ulcer-ridden
humans in the world. We need more six foot tall 350
lb children running loose upon the Earth.
And John Lassiter and the folks at PIXAR have just
made the PROZAC for those children.
If I rated films. This is a 5 star film in a 4 star world.
This is the popcorn machine from which that Popcorn
Tub is filled. This is the entire side of beef in that
world of four doggie bones. This isn’t two thumbs
up, this is both hands raised to the sky while bowing
on your hands and knees before all that I hold true
and dear.
This is TOY STORY 2 through my eyes.
I’m still crying... I need to go sit in a hot bath and
just calm down, but I have to write about this, I have
to express myself, I have to somehow give thanks
back to the hundreds of people that contributed to
this... TOY STORY 2.
I had read the script, almost 2 years ago. Back when
this film was supposed to be going straight to video.
The day I began to write my plea to DISNEY to make
this a feature film in theaters, the press release came
to say they had done just that.
I loved that script. I felt that the story has cooler than
the first one, that it was touching something a little bit
more primal and true about friendship and a desire to
belong in someway permanent in this universe of
existence that we live in.
BUT...
This film and the current state of this film so far
exceeds that script I read. I went into this fully
knowing that I would love this film. It is not within
the abilities of PIXAR to mess up when given a great
script. And now... Now I realize something even
more pervasive about PIXAR... There is sooooo
much that isn’t on the page.
I remember being a cocky little boy walking into the
AMERICANA theater thinking I knew exactly what
was in store for me when I went to see EMPIRE
STRIKES BACK. I had been in line for hours upon
hours surrounded by loved ones, all expressing
optimistic hopes that the movie would be... really
good.
I was trembling when I left that theater. It opened up
a new meaning to expectations to me. Didn’t change
my life... But it did open a door into what hopes
meant when concerning film.
Today, I woke up at dawn.... Bleary eyed and tired.
Still a little down from seeing THE WORLD IS NOT
ENOUGH... a film that didn’t understand itself or it’s
own history or characters. I was a bit upset about that
because... I love Bond movies and when dealing with
hopes and expectations... sometimes it is not enough
to just.... like something. I think that is what
happened a lot with THE PHANTOM MENACE....
A lot of people really liked it... But ya know... it
wasn’t perfect. Over the course of that film, nothing
ever really topped the parting of the curtains and the
darkening of the auditorium lights. For me... I was
never pushed into the floor with sticky popcorn
kernals like some felt by that film. I didn’t feel
betrayed... I really really liked it. But I didn’t feel
like I feel right now.
I arrived at the theater a full 2 hours before showtime,
at a ‘critics screening’. Not that there would be a
rush for good seats or anything... It’s just... this was
TOY STORY 2. A sure fire really really good movie.
I’d seen the JESSIE girl toy, but I felt cold towards it
in the Targets and Toys R Us’. I’d seen ZURG and
thought... he’s ok. But I knew that PIXAR would not
let me down... at the least, I knew I’d stand up and
applaud afterwards... I have that type of confidence in
PIXAR.
I stood outside the theater with Dad. My dad. And
watched as two kids played tag with one another
outside the theater, “Dad is base. Dad is base. Hey...
You can’t tag me, DAD IS BASE!!!”
Heh. I remember that. Dad and I smiled at each
other.
That’s when the manager came out and said, “Mr
Knowles... You can take a seat if you want it.”
So Dad and I walked into this big Cinemark
monstrosity decorated to make Las Vegas look
understated. Giant standees of the various TOY
STORY 2 characters.... FANTASIA 2000 giant
floating scenes twirling up above.
The manager led us to the theater and Dad and I took
our seats.
We continued to talk about what was wrong with the
Bond films. How they lost their way, etc...
Soon more of the local critics arrived. Polite hand
shaking. “Nice to see you again.” “How ya doing?”
That sort of thing.
Then they let the kids in with their parents in tow. I
love kids.... In some alternate dimension I’m a
Kindergarten teacher or a clown in a circus. The
three kids on the row in front and below me peer over
their seat at me.
Their thought balloons appeared above their heads,
“Hmmm, better keep an eye on this one... he might
eat me.”
So I smile and do the cross-eyed bit. The kids begin
playing peek-a-boo and their mother looks back and
smiles. Kids rock.
At one point there was a slide on screen, no pictures,
just text saying that Will Smith arrived to the
premiere of WILD WILD WEST in a horse and
buggy.
A child’s voice over my shoulder says, “That’s Wild
Wild West Daddy!”
I look over my shoulder at the 4 year old, and hear
the Father say, “How do you know that? You can’t
read.... Can you?”
The kid just smiles, slaps his hands on his legs,
giggles and blew spit bubbles.
Yeah... that’s perfect.
At this point, my legs begin to tremble in
anticipation... I really really really want to see this
movie. These kids.. I’m so glad I’m seeing it with
them.
Finally, after an hour of listening to various kid happy
noises, the screen goes dark and the projector comes
to life...
“Alright... here it is,” I hear Moms and Dads saying.
Dad and I looked at each other and smile.
It’s the opening act of DINOSAURS, albeit toned
down a bit... some of the more vicious aspects are not
in this preview, but over all, I hear kids making
‘wow’ type noises.
Then the PIXAR logo with Luxo hopping out appears
and once again, I hear, “Alright, here we go...”
And LUXO JR plays. John... that is really a great
piece of animation. No faces... no expressions... just
pure movement and MIME. Those lights have souls.
That’s what PIXAR does.... They don’t make
magic... They create souls... souls that reach through
all those pixels, off that 2 dimensional screen and
touch our souls.
Then TOY STORY 2 starts.
I don’t know who you people are that read this. I
don’t know if you are the type of person that can
instantly shed all the emotional baggage and
conditioning of life and shrink... That can watch, say
FIGHT CLUB one day, and TOY STORY 2 the next.
But I am.
In a great year of film, in my opinion, TOY STORY 2
is the best film yet.
In my opinion there is not one shred of doubt that if
my vote were the sole vote in the universe, that I
would choose this film to be most favoritest movie....
period.
I am elated. It was just sooooo perfect that I can’t
even think straight.
“It’s just a cartoon... HARRY!”
No... no no no no no it isn’t. This is serious folks,
I’m not playing around here. For me. Harry Jay
Knowles, this film contains the secret of life.
Why we are here. What our sole existence is for. It’s
about the very fibre of our beings. All told through
the eyes and ‘simple seeming’ lives of toys. But it is
soooooo much more than anything ‘Simple’.
You see. Woody, for me... is me... I’m the guy that a
lot of people play with. Other folks love to hang
around me, but at the end of the day I’ve always felt
somewhat apart from it all. Then one day, I find out
I’m really special. I get all this attention. People
write articles about me, there’s my own TV show...
Wow... This is cool. You begin to put your own
personal value based upon all this other stuff... The
TV show... the articles... That’s what it’s about.
Until you look at the people in your life that it really
IS all about. Your ol pal REX and HAM and BUZZ
and MR POTATO HEAD. Your buddies and
confidantes. The ones you’ve been through hell with.
The ones that’d take a bullet for ya.
You turn and you look at the ‘New Crowd’... The
ones that want you to do the Show... The ones that
need you to feel somehow ‘worthy’ because of your
alleged ‘stature’.
There isn’t a choice. There’s not an (A) and a (B).
You simply must choose friends and family. All the
fortune and glory are nothing without living. And
sure... you risk being thown away... scorned by your
friends and family over time. But dammit... What if
that doesn’t happen. What if she really is the girl of
your dreams.... What if? It’s worth that risk, that
heart ache and that pain, cause through this adventure
of life... While you have peaks and valleys, it’s your
friends that really see you through it all.
NOT ONLY THAT THOUGH! You can take some
of your new friends with you. You don’t have to
choose one situation over another... You can put
them together. There can be a happily ever after.
It’s not about the assurance of happiness forever. It’s
about being with those you love as you continue on
this adventure of life.
If that is JUST a CARTOON to YOU... then I don’t
want to know you.
PIXAR has created a film of such startling meaning
and nuance and beauty and entertainment and just
perfection that... That I am still friggin crying.
When I shut my eyes I can see those folks at PIXAR.
I’ve met them. I’ve shook a lot of their hands, but as
I shut my eyes, I give them all the biggest hug in the
world.
BLESS YOU. YOU HAVE MADE ME SOOO
HAPPY TODAY. You have made a piece of art that
I will show my friends and family for the entirety of
my life. BLESS YOU. The talent in that world of
yours is so beautiful that...
I have to go now. Thank you guys and gals. Thank
you.
The world is a better place for having this film in it.
Now though. Now when I look at Jessie sitting right
there next to my Woody doll now Jessie has a soul...
so much soul. Zurg is soooooo cool now. All those
toys that didn’t live before... now they have a heart
beating inside of them.
That’s PIXAR... they’re wizards. I so wish that
Steve Jobs and John Lassiter were in charge of
DISNEY. They get it. They get it all. Everyone in
this film gets it. It’s just so damn perfect. My toys
are smiling at me. Thank you PIXAR!!!
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II was expecting a ton of references to that other Manna From Heaven animated movie that came out earlier this year. Couldn't bring yourself to say it was 'better' could you? :) Apples and oranges, I know. Who gives a shit about better, cartoons rule!
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Aaargh - why in the name of sweet Jesus isn't this film getting released until February in the UK!
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I feel the same way about BEAN. Nobody understands. http://www.superosity.com
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I guess that MGM didn't slip Harry a very good press toy pack.
No. All joking aside, I can't figure out why people get upset to the degree that they are. People are taking the "movie geek" concept too far. The truth of the matter is that it's impossible to make the same movies as they did back in Bond's heyday. For one thing, the series' audience has changed, and is less suave-- and even intelligent-- than it was back then. Back in the day, Bond was enjoyed by guys who were able to appreciate the "genius" of Hugh Hefner; people who could appreciate an Aston Martin, a shaken Martini, an girl with a Eastern-European accent. Is that audience still around? Of course not. Hugh Hefner is a pig, they say these days. You can't be a cool chauvinist. You like fucking, you -
Harry did give details its just that their kinda hidden in his raving enthusiasm (which is why I like his review) essentialy the basic plot is that Woody the cowboy doll turns out to be worth a lot of money and then a choice has to be made, this is what Harry was talking about with the bit about friends and family. When does this come out in Oz?
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Nov 20, 1999 5:13:17 PM CST
wow, I guess the big guy's really in touch with his feminine sid
by tall_boy
hey, whatever floats your boat, Harry dude. I loved the first TOY STORY and I'm gonna get my 7 year old cousin and take him to see this one as an excuse for me to see it. Better than taking him to see that mind-numbing Pokemon crap. . .
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Man...
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Thanks for your passion, Harry, but I could have gone the rest of my life without the visual of you getting into a hot bath. Calm down, Father Geek, it's just a joke.
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A Bugs life Sucked. Antz Ruled!
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Don't force me to redifine my universe, you enthusiastic bastard. I am content to go through my life thinking that movies like Toy Story, Bug's Life, etc. are just as unattractive and soulless as they appear in previews. At any rate, I hope you're wrong about this movie being great if not only for the reason that this year's "Babe" should NOT be allowed to win the best picture Oscar over all the great and original films that have been squeezed out of Hollywood's anus this year.
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...you know PIXAR is well-loved when Harry writes an over-the-top review like this and you don't get a lot of "HARRY U SELL OUT YOU ENJOY MOVIES SO U SUCK AND ARE PAID AND THATS THE ONLY REASON ANYONE WOOD LIKE THIS MOVIE" Although I'm sure we'll see those eventually. But still. No matter how effusive Harry gets I don't think Disney paid him dime one. PIXAR are geniuses. ABL kicked Antz's ass up and down broadway; the only thing Antz had going for it was that it was more adult. But I'd rather a great kid's movie like ABL over a mediocre adult movie like Antz.
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Harry, your enthusiasm for this film is infectious. I am really excited to see this movie now. However I've learned my lesson in going to past movies to not get too excited. I'll go in not expecting a thing. Just like I did with 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. When Raiders was in the theatres I actually went to the now defunct Edens theatres,north of Chicago and waited for the theatre to open. I stayed there and watched every screening of Raiders till the theatre closed. That was almost a 'Butt-numb-A-Thon' for me.
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Steve is the man people can rip him apart all they want but bottom line is this man knows what he wants and what he is doing! If ANY man on earth other then god himself was to bring back my beloved Apple Computers it would be Jobs. NO ONE else could have done it but him. I remeber the day my friend called me and told me Steve is back. All the trouble Apple had been through the past few years had gone and Apple was again magical. I knew at the helm was a man that doesn't give up and will do what it takes to make a hit. Apple is once again a growing company and I'm happy to say I'm going to go out and scoop me up one of them hot new Imac DVs.
Bottom line ANYTHING steve has his name in will be good. Steve is a perfectionist and will do what it takes to make things right. I'm not saying he hasn't made mistakes in the past but this man puts 110% in everything he does and thats why he makes great things like Toy Story 2. -
I saw TS2 last week at a press outing too. While I wasn't "joygasmic" over it, I will admit it was a really good movie. Much better than the first. I wish there had been more of "Tour Guide Barbie" tho, that was a funny string left unfinished. But what really left me speachless was the trailer for "Dinosaur." It may have no story, but visually it was stunning!
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It's nice to see a review like this from Harry. Between all the recent talk of banning people from Talkback on this site, and Harry's embarrassingly vicious and uninformed rants on harmless children's fare (Pokemon), I was beginning to think Harry had started to become a >gasp< cynical grownup. Nice to know that I was wrong. :) Of course, now my expectations of this film are through the roof. Oh well. It just has to be half as good as the original to be great. Does anyone know what trailer is attached to TS2? I'm hoping it's Dinosaur, but it will probably be Bicentennial Man or some shit...btw, this is off topic, but I heard AICN mentioned in the commercial for Sleepy Hollow last night. Congratulations Harry! Who'd have thought this humble, little website I frequent would someday be a major, nationally known influence? Kudos
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Every day I get to the site, someone's been to a test screening or sneak preview. These things are virtually nonexistent here!! AND I WANNA SEE TOY STORY 2 NOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!
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What a fucking movie. Any chance of a Toy Story III- Buzz and Woody Meet The Iron Giant? Wouldn't that be far-too-cool-for-school?!?
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I have been anxiously awaiting this movie since I first heard word of the straight-to-video release. I think if I had to choose between this and Episode I (two years ago) it would be a hard choice. Now there's no question which one I would rather see. I'd be willing to drop my Thanksgiving celebration (favorite day of year) to see this on Thursday. If you know me, you'd realize the sacrifice I'd be willing to make.
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It pleases me that you enjoyed it as much as I. (As always, you are wise not to defy me.) I am ... Hercules!
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You know, it really burns my britches when people complain about Harry saying that this is the best movie of the year. First of all, I believe he said that it was HIS OPINION that this is the best movie. Second of all, how can any of you disagree when NONE OF YOU HAVE SEEN IT YET! Geez, you bloody morons. I'm looking forward to seeing Toy Story 2 and Harry-Boy just fueled my desire to see it. The only problem is, my girlfriend wants to see (in a sarcastic voice) "Anywhere But Here" ever since she saw Oprah with Susan and Natalie on it. Damn you Oprah. It took me forever to convince her to see TS2 to begin with. Turns out that the first one scared her? Something to do with the hairless, one-eyed, cannibal spider toys. Something like that. But, anyway, I'm getting off subject. I'd like to say that PIXAR is the definition of "genius." If you thought that ANTZ was better than A BUG'S LIFE, then, quite frankly, you should be beaten with a pool cue, drug into the street, tar and feathered, and then mocked until a Toys R Us truck drives by and runs you over. ANTZ was an OK movie, but A BUG'S LIFE ROCKED. TOY STORY ROCKED. Now, this may have something to do with my being and artist and the visuals of PIXAR are much better than those of Dreamworks. The animation in ANTZ sucked compared to anything that PIXAR has EVER put out. Ok, maybe Christopher Walken and Woody Allen are better actors than the guy that plays Dave on NewsRadio, but, you've got to remember, Stallone was also in ANTZ. . . . and he said "bitch." And I thought it was a kid's movie. PIXAR would never decieve us like that. I'm actually going in to a field where I may one day work for PIXAR so don't bad mouth them, or I WILL FIND YOU and introduce you to some tar and feathers. And a Toys R Us truck. What was I saying? Ah, yes. Toy Story 2. I can't wait to see it. I think I've figured out a way to get my girlfriend to see it: Take my five-year-old brother. She loves him. But she'll probably end up liking the movie more than he does. I am Joygasmic.
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I got to figure out a way to steal my 5 year old cousin so we can go see this movie. We missed the Iron Giant and I am still disappointed. He loved Toy Story and I'll be damned if I don't take him to this. Man this movie sounds awesome. Anybody know who voices Zurg? Hopefully he has a cool Darth Vader type voice. Can't wait.
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With all the reviews I've read about this one, I am CERTAIN it will be great. Will it be better than Iron Giant? I don't know, man, I really loved that film (saw it 3 times) and I would never have seen it if it wasn't for Harry's enthusiastic review of it. I can guarantee you that. It's so much easier to tear down than to build - that's why most of these assholes who post here ain't got nothin' good to say about anything. I will be seeing this on Wednesday - sorry, Arnold, but my friends in Andy's room need me. Thanks, Harry - you've introduced me to some films this year that I don't think I would have caught otherwise - Iron Giant, Being John Malkovich, American Beauty - and I was throughly impressed with eac of those films, and I know for a fact that I'm going to love this. It's the idiots who can spout "Harry fucked up with Gozilla man" with every goddamn TalkBack but have nothing constructive to say. Anyway, thanks again - you've proved to me just how wonderful this year was moviewise, and I expect it to go out with a bang with Man on the Moon, TS2, and so on.
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I don't agree with Harry on most movies, but this movie IS THAT GOOD. I wasn't thrilled about seeing it, but once the opening sequence ran I was hooked. It takes you out of the theater and into Pixar's little world. It is hilarious; injokes, allusions, you name it. It should be at least nominated for Best Picture. American Beauty is the shit, but American Beauty doesn't make you feel good. Toy Story does. Sometimes you can see the jokes coming but they still make you laugh. Joan Cusack's story is gut-wrenching. See it. Three things outside Toy Story: End of Days does suck, Harry-what is with you and Cinemark?, and for the talk-backers who say it is "only a movie": fuck you, be critical, there is enough mediocrity in this world.
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Harry, Harry, Harry....best movie ever? After The Matrix, Braveheart and Deep Throat? I dont think so.... =P
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...tell us what you REALLY think.
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To all the jaded webheads posting here that feel the need to rake Harry's review across the coals: please refer to three sentances written near the start of the review. "I am self aware of what and who I am. I am the personification of the TOYS R US theme. I
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What is UP with all the Harry bashing??? It's like if something becomes popular - music, tv shows, movies, AICN - there are a bunch of naysayers ready to pounce and rip what others enjoy to shreds? All this talk about Harry being in the studio pockets is just plain BULLSHIT. It really angers me! Go ahead and disagree with his opinions (remember, they are JUST opinions and there to helpfully guide rather than lead us), but lay off the whole "he seems to like everything so he's being paid by the studios" crap. And DAMMIT!!!!! Stop fucking using all caps when you write these messages, some of you, PLEASE. Do you know it has been scientifically recorded that a message in all capital letters takes 20% longer to read?
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Only one part of this post made sense, Steve didn't have anything to do with the Movie, but he has never claimed to either! As for the rest of this post, what a load of shite!
1. There over 16,000 apps available for the mac, so you're right there's no software. Whoever taught you Math at School should be shot.
2. Slagging Apple off because they have the only industrial design team in the computer industry with the balls to be different? The iMac isn't just about the colour, but clearly your too ignorant to grasp that. Dell's CEO even admitted in a humilating climbdown that Apple had taught the industry a lesson on ease of use.
Oh, and good luck at 11.59pm on Dec 31st. Apple aren't perfect but at least they new the century was going to end!
Sorry to everyone else about this post, but I can't stand it when ignorant SOB's like Maxwell open their mouths before putting their brain in gear (yeah all six cells, Mawell)
Cheers -
It is so blatantly obvious that you maxwell need to lighten up. You've been in you cubicle with your plain boxed lil computer WAY to long to really appreciate what Steve Jobs has done for both the computer industry (Apple) and with what he has done for the entertainment industry (Pixar). Just because you don't like Steve Jobs or Apple DOES NOT mean you shouldn't give credit where it is deserved! In the Computer industry do you think we would have all the cool looking computer coming out (PC and Mac) this Christmas season if it wasn't for Jobs? Steve is at the helm of Pixar he may not be their every day but a guarantee you he was breathing down the necks of the creative team to make sure they didn't get lazy like they did a little with a Bugs Life. Steve is a perfectionist and I know he was looking over the creative team and making sure they went the extra mile with Toy Story 2. Now Steve isn't the only one to give credit to but may I remind you it was also his vision that brought Pixar into existence.
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I'll admit, iMacs and G3's/G4's are fun to look at, and the G4's processor is the sweetest thing since well...whatever the latest sweet thing was ;) However, MacOS is shite. Windows is shite as well, but not quite as bad as MacOS...at least Windows has the gaming side of things, and doesn't have to sit and beg for the scraps. (Yeah, yeah, you're gonna say that's all changing with Quake3 and Unreal Tournament, but two games releasing Mac ports soon after their PC release does not make the Mac a gaming platform.)
Anyway, the main point of my post is that most people are only buying iMacs because of their look. These people are the idiots, the lamers, the trollers, and the llamas of the online world. In short, the undesirable faction that could be curbed if only computer usage were restricted to those people with a certain IQ. Personally, I'd like to go so far as to say "you can use a computer if you can build a computer" but I realize that's highly unrealistic (not to mention just plain dumb :) However, the thought behind it remains...AOL, iMacs, Windows 98... everything's getting dumbed-down and sacrificing functionality for usability. The majority of AOL'ers can hardly think for themselves, let alone take care of their own computer.
Anyway, I think I'll end my rant here. -
I suppose that since TS2 was made with computers, this tedious penis-comparitive debate over "Which Is Better: Mac or PC" is somewhat justified, but really only vaguely, tangentially related. I'll still cop in my two cents, though: I've just purchased an i-Mac, and so far it's proven to be much more satisfying to operate than any PC I've used in the past. Anyway, the film isn't out yet, so I won't offer any opinion on it, but I really do have to say that if you honestly found it to be such a magical life-altering experience, perhaps you ought not to spend as much time in the cinema, and get out a bit instead.
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Sorry, I just had to say it.
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Great review Harry, you never cease to amaze me
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You guys drive me nuts. Don't you know by now that Harry is by definition a movie fan? He loves movies and he loves to enjoy movies. He's not really a film critic. Sure he is a bit overzealous but you have to take that into consideration when reading his review. Let him blow his wad over a movie and take what you want from it. I have friends that tell me every movie they see is great while I have a pickier palette. I enjoy their enthusiasm but I know that I won't necessarily have the same reaction. This site is a way for Harry to spread his joy of film to others. You may not feel the same way he does about films but there is no need to criticize him for it. If you don't like the way he gushes about film don't read his reviews. It's that simple. Let the "boy" have his joygasm.
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im a dark brooding sorta guy that does not care one bit fer the pollyanna mindnumb bs that disney has been known to spew out, yes the animation is usually top notch, and the stories are average to average plus(all this is soley MY opinion),BUT...when my girlfriend and i were at planet hollywood in orlando we decided to see any movie SHE wanted to...and it was Toy Story, and to my surprise...it rocked...my fav moment was the lil green dudes worshiping the "claw",anyways...I actually wanna see this movie,ill trust harry on this one
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If you think Harry has turned into a sell-out because he has a very expansive and communicative way of expressing the immense fun he has watching most movies, then why do you keep coming to his site ?
Why not opening your own site and *TRY* to contribute as much as he does to the movie-fan crowd ?
I know I couldn't, I don't have 1) the time 2) the talent (yes talent) this guy has.
Oh, and Monk-E, since obviously you haven't figured that out yet, computers are *SUPPOSED TO* become usable by anyone with any sort of IQ. Not just by geniuses like you.
A computer is a tool, just like a telephone or a hammer is a tool. It's just a matter of time before computers become as easy to use as telephones and hammers. Time and having more people like Apple's Steve Jobs or those Palm Pilot creators around, so that people can use a computer to help them live their life, and not use their life to help them get a computer to work.
PS: I can build a computer, thank you (although I definitely would not design the mother board) -
I saw Toy Story 2 this weekend at a special screening and I can't stop thinking through it either! It was absolute perfection, wonderful, funny, meaningful, beautiful, awesome, magical, and simply...a great film. I can't wait until I can go and see it again. This is the kind of movie that unlocks that child within us, that helps us to undertsand that the world isn't all about shootings, car crashes and logs falling on our college students...it's about friendship, sacrifice and the wonderfully 1950's stuff that we sometimes think of as old fashioned and dead. But it really isn't. We haven't really changed. We've only forgotten sometimes, who we are and what we can be. I loved TS2. I can't wait until everyone can see it. It's something special.
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Another one of Harry's patented "say-absolutely-NOTHING-about-the- film" film reviews. I lost count, but how many times did you use the words "I" or "me" or some other first-person variation. For the last time, no one wants your family history or the story of your inner child. JUST REVIEW THE FILM! I don't get how he can even get through the front door of his house, that frigging head of his is so swollen.
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You have to give him some credit. For all the shit Harry takes about bending to the will of the masses in his opinions, he must have known the shit storm that would ensue from his scribblings about tears and quivering lips. And as much as I rolled my eyes at this review, at least he has conviction. BUT - what's with all these reviews of non-Dogma movies? You'd think with the daily frigging coverage on this site, Harry'd be rushing to post his review of Dogma by now. It dropped 53% this week! C'mon Harry, Dogma needs your support! Bwahahahhaha! I have a feeling that if you loved it, we would have heard about it by now . . .
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I have enjoyed your reviews for a few years, but this is the first time that I have felt compelled to respond to a review. I must say that I think that Harry has the same taste in movies that I do. I am a movie nut. Probably the first review I ready by Harry that was this moving was of "Titanic." This was before it came out and as a result of his review, I just had to see it. Well Harry you have done it again. I have to see this movie. Keep up the good writing.
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It's time to clear some things up. First off antz kicked the shit out of bug's life in all aspects. While i am looking forward to Toy Story 2 it must kick some major ass to beat out Fight Club for best movie of the year. American Beauty was good but it could have great if it didn't have that faggot stuff in there. For everyone that hasn't seen it, a major theme in the movie is if you hate dicksuckers then you probably deep down are one yourself. To wrap it up Tim Burton should stick to set designing and give up directing. No more Danny Elfman please.
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Very gushy review there, I think it should have been headed as an editorial, there was no critque at all (and you cannot tell me that Harry has just witnessed the perfect film). Tell us why it was so good, who was the key performer, just give the rest of us movie nuts a valid reason to watch this film, not just "it's ssoooo good". Great site though.
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That seems to be the general vibe I'm getting. I'll go see it, but if I feel the same way, I'll be amazed. Man Harry, when you like something, you REALLY like it, eh? Not criticizin', just noticin'. Hey, I feel the same way about Christmas - bubbly, effervescent glee.
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What with your enlightened opinions on all the "faggot stuff" in American Beauty, why do I get the strong feeling you probably missed the point of Fight Club, and are only championing it "cuz, like, the fight scenes rocked ass, dude!" Just curious.
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I saw Toy Story 2 over a month ago at a sneak preview. I can garuntee that it is every bit as good as he says in his review. Absolutely wonderful film.
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Was I the only one who thought the animation in Antz was way too dark? I could barely see it in the theatre, too brown it needed more colors.
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AAHAHAHAHAHA AHhaHA HAHA! 350 lbs!?!?! Yeah right Harry! HAHAH HAHAY AHAHA HahaHAHAHA! Underestimating there a bit aren't we? Hey, I saw The Faculty, and you are definately a tad bigger than 350. More like 450. But I still love ya! You gotta love your passion. However, I disagree with you about TWINE. I though it was great and one of the best Bond's in years. Definately Brosnan's best and right up there as one of the best of the series. Maybe even in the Top 5.
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Hello, ppl, as a previous lurker, I am motivated to write after provocation from Harry's ridiculously over the top gushing review.
Now I'd say I'm different to most on this talkback cos I actually loved Toy Story 1 to death. It was so fantastic it is on of like 2 videos I've ever bought and watch regularly (I never really buy vids as once you've seem them a couple of times they can just sit their unwatched till it comes on cable)
Anyway, I'm sure Harry isn't in anyone's pockets or sold out... nobody could be that obvious if they had sold out!
Anyway I'm sure he has been subconsciously influenced by outside aspects other than the actual film. I mean how many people get the personal touch of actually meeting the makers and shaking Pixar men by the hand. Or getting the personalised invitation and seating etc.
At the end of the day I don't really mind all that as I know that Harry doesn't have an agenda like many newspaper critics, however reading the review as much as I LOVE Toy Story, was utterly cringeworthy. I mean all the gooey personal stuff about admiring the kids in the cinema (people might start talking) and connecting with all your commercialised toys is a little extraneous. I wouldn't mind having a bit of a more structure account of the film and your opinions. It was more like
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
end.
rather than
BEGINNING
MIDDLE
END.
Hey but it's all good. I mean go Ricky! (or is it Jerry?)
I dunno
@stroboy -
First, to those of you that want to bang on Harry for his decidely first-person reviews: that's his schtick, man. He even says so if you read the main page, when he writes that "film review doesn't begin and end with the opening and ending titles. There is more to it. What we do and who we are affects the review. Instead of hiding that, I share it." Most people who frequent the site understand it; if it's not your bag, then check out Ebert or your local paper, or mrcranky.com for the love of God. The rest of us like Harry and his style. We know what we're getting.
Second, what's all this silly talk about "kidnapping" young cousins to see the film? Who cares what a bunch of strangers in a movie line think about your movie-going decisions? This an extension of the brand-name mindset that wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of jeans from Sam's club. People who'd think less highly of me because I buy a ticket to a kid's movie are the people who'd I'd invite to be first in line to kiss my ass, if I even CARED. On the other hand, take your cousin/brother/sister/niece/nephew, but do it because you care about them and want to share something... cool with them. -
CountZero. I figured someone would come to the fudge packers rescue. It's a shame some people just don't accept the fact that some God fearing people get sick just thinking of homo's and their perverted acts. They always have to say there is some underlying reason for their hatred. There is, i, like God, hate sin and perversion. Oh yeah, CountZero i know you want to think of me as some redneck asshole who is mesmerized by fights and explosions, but if you must know i think the fight scenes were the least important facet of Fight Club. Take those scenes out and it still is the best movie this year so far.
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this is a first for me to actually comment on anything over the internet, but Harry's review of TS2 is just what I was thinking! I went to a screening Saturday morning, and was ready to jump out of my seat from the first scene to the last scene. PIXAR has an amazing talent of make these toys REAL. As much as they are animated characters, they are more human than most of the human actors in films today. It surpassed the original movie because in TOY STORY you met the characters, in TOY STORY 2 they leave the house to save Woody!!!!
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"hate sin and perversion"? this post sounds like a bit of a judgement, there. I'm no expert on the topic, but isn't that one of those commandment no-no's you religious fanatics are so keen to wave in other people's faces? Sound's like someone's going to hell along with the ones he's condemning if you apply your own belief system to the situation. And I guess I'll see you there according to you, since this is a judgement on my part.
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Nov 22, 1999 5:40:01 PM CST
WTF is a "film critic" anyway, and "who watches the watcher"...
by dennis
Harry is a fan, of many, many things. I suspect he likes free toys, tickets, memorabilia, and...so...do...the rest of us...People originally came to this site because Harry had an insider's view of upcoming pictures. He still does. I've watched his reviews evolve into something entirely different than any other "film critic" out there - now people are copying him! Personally (no unkindness intended) I hate the narrative before the actual review. I scroll through it nearly 100% of the time. But lots of people enjoy it, and that's why they read his reviews, and there is nothing wrong with that. I come here to get spoilers, and to talk with other film buffs about their likes/dislikes/ideas surrounding film and Harry provides me a forum and opportunity to do that for FREE. So on that alone, I appreciate what he's done. I do think the tone of the site has evolved, but what else could it do? I'd work the room just like the next guy if I thought it would better my life. And anyone who says different is a liar. The only thing I can't stand is when someone calls you on it, and you lie or change your story around, a la George Lucas.
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That's me. And I never saw AMERICAN BEAUTY. I was too busy waiting to see FIGHT CLUB. So there. :OP
Listen. I know any plea for Mitsurugi to not succumb to the Dark Side would be useless. He obviously has his mind made up about his fellow geeks. But buddy, can you at least keep your bigotry to yourself while you're on Talkback? Here we come, all full of excitement and anticipation of what our colleagues have to say about one of Harry's reviews, and our mood is spoiled by having to see just how obscenely one person can tell another how s/he hates him/her. I know you will probably pay no attention to what I have to say because you've already prejudged me as evil and worthless, but I thought I should say it anyway.
There I said it.
PS: I am already drooling over Toy Story II. Rock on, Harry my man. -
Nov 22, 1999 8:14:30 PM CST
HOLD ON HARRY, NOW YOU'RE SAYING THAT TOY STORY 2 IS ONE OF THE
by darius25
OK, so please don't take your word back on this. In your opinion, you LOVED Blair Witch, Eyes Wide Shut, IRON GIANT, and now Toy Story 2. I hope you don't go back and say that Iron Giant is the best movie that you've seen in the past few years because according to you, Toy Story 2 is better. -
Nov 22, 1999 8:14:36 PM CST
HOLD ON HARRY, NOW YOU'RE SAYING THAT TOY STORY 2 IS ONE OF THE
by darius25
OK, so please don't take your word back on this. In your opinion, you LOVED Blair Witch, Eyes Wide Shut, IRON GIANT, and now Toy Story 2. I hope you don't go back and say that Iron Giant is the best movie that you've seen in the past few years because according to you, Toy Story 2 is better. -
JJ Fong said that 'Everyone knows that Macs Suck." I bet he didnt know that everyone also knows that JJ FONG sucks too.
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Okay, fair spoiler warning to any of you out there reading this post who haven't seen Sleepy Hollow... I have some questions about the plot that will give away the ending, so don't read. Stop. Okay? Now, anyone who did see the movie, can you answer me three questions?
1) After it was revealed that none of them were the possesors of the head, why, in retrospect, did the town fathers conspire to cover up the will? After the death of the widow, no-one stood between Baltus and his inhertitance, right? A friend suggested that it was because that they were frightened of the horseman, but since it was clearly obvious once the will storyline stood fully revealed that all of the town fathers knew that the horsemen was only going after those who knew about the will. So.
2) Why did Miranda Richardson (missed the characters name... sorry...) kill her sister? Revenge for revealing to Crane the whereabouts of the horseman's grave? Uh?
3) The big hole. Why did Miranda Richardson fake her own death?!? If her entire motivation (outside of revenge) was simply to gain the inheritance that was rightfully hers, that she had spent her entire life plotting for, why pretend to be dead in the eyes of the law when she stood to be the sole inheritor? Now, being "dead", she had no legal claim to anything.
It's at this point that my friends tell me to shut up, but, please, somebody post even a total bullshit "No-prize" kind of contrivance and I'll be satisfied.
Why is this post in a Toy Story review? Because I can't seem to get into the forums tonight, and I just gotta know. -
Harry, you rock. Cinema and the internet need more people like you. I was going to be there for TS2 opening weekend regardless of your article but you restored my faith that I wasn't the only guy out there feeling the same way you do. I was thinking the same things about life and films and my absolute love of both. You choked me up like a good Wonder Years episode...Thanks
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When do we need films like this?
Always.
Pixar has a fantastic ability to create animated worlds that make sense for everyone, at some point in their lives.
Case in point. A friend -- cynical, womaninsing, drunkard, hates kids -- sits in my front room with a hangover and laughs his ass of at A Bug's Life.
He hates Disney. 'It's a great film,' he says. And he's bloody right. Pixar dumps on Disney from a great height.
Don't get caught up in the adolescent fear of animation. Enjoy these films. More often than not they say more about the human spirit and can do more good to the human spirit, than a million worthy arthouse flicks.
Fight Club and Toy Story 2, then. 1999 sewn up. No contest.
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Now I have lost all respect. There is nothing wrong with liking a kids movie. At times I still feel like a kid. But to get this geeked over a children's movie is just not right. Your not paying your shrink enough. And no, the world does NOT need more 6ft, 350lbs, children running around.
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I just returned from a matinee of Toy Story 2, and by God I still have a silly grin all over my face. What an utterly, utterly delightful way to spend an afternoon. It actually was quite a reminder of how banal A Bug's Life really was (and I enjoyed that quite a bit); Pixar is in top form here. My only quibble is that there were a bit too many recycled gags from the first film, but this is such a minor complaint in the face of how truly superb the rest of it is. I can't believe this was originally meant to go direct-to-video!?!?
Oh, and as an aside, why the hell is the Iron Giant DVD not presented in WideScreen? -
Nov 24, 1999 5:54:19 PM CST
TOY STORY 2- Close but no cigar (and no where near as good as Ha
by fidelio
I've been disappointed by every animated feature hyped up (by this site and by others) this year. Iron Giant? Fine, entertaining popcorn family film with surface themes and nothing too touching, to me at least. Princess Monoake? Entertaining action film. And now Toy Story 2. I loved the first one, feeling it was probably the deepest emotionally affecting cartoon ever made. It truly went beyond the normal cartoonish morals of "Don't Fight, Be a Hero, Everyone is a Superman (wink wink)" and into something that analyzed and discovered the importance of coming of age and friendship. That film made me go a big rubbery one. The sequel however, never once made me feel emotional. I loved seeing all the characters again, and whenever it hinted back at the original, I felt the emotions of that film. But this film was exactly what it is: a Hollywood sequel. There's a lot less talk and philosophy, and a lot more special effects (of course, it's all the same special effect but you know what I mean) and action, with some dull movie references (such as a painfully obvious Empire Strikes Back throwaway), and scenes that have been done before (Barbies! Wait...wasn't that Small Soldiers?") It's all highly entertaining, of course, and extremely well animated, making a pleasure to look at, but it's not even in my top ten of the year, or my top 100 of the decade. Just a diversion, harmless, I'm sure it will make a lot of money, and kids will probably enjoy it more than the original due to the action. Adults, however, will probably see that it's becoming a bit shallow. There are moments of beauty (the whole flashback with the Cowgirl, even though a ridiculously bad song was being played over it), and the action is damn well directed. But overall, I didn't get anything out of this than a joyful, happy, time at the movies that put me in a good mood. But in a year with Fight Club, EWS, and American Beauty, that's simply not enough.
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Just saw it today, and it had to be the most fun i have spent in a theatre watching an animated film, right next to THE IRON GIANT!!
ENJOY EVERYONE, YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!! -
...no sooner had I posted my complaint about the Iron Giant DVD not being widescreen did I notice that all I had to do was flip the disc over (sheepish grin).
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I saw Toy Story II today and had a n intersting experiance. The movie was great but not as "The best movie ever made" take that Harry gave it. It was great, well written some great movie parodies, and the Living creatures looked a lot better (look at the dog! WOW) I took my two little cousins ages 6 and 10, we passed a Pokemon poster on the way out. The younger said that Toy Story was stupid and that he wanted to see the Pokemon movie right away and had a tantrum. The problem wasn't like this happened before the movie but after. I found this to be desturbing. oh well...
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See, the reason why Miranda Richardson's character(I forget here name) kills her sister, & all that is because she was under control from Palpatine. See Palpatine had survived the drop into the second deathstar's core, and hid from the rebels & the restored republic for thousands of years, until the right time came to rise again. That time was in the late 1700's in Sleepy Hollow. He found his new apprentice in Miranda Richardson.
Do I get a 'no prize'? -
hee hee hee...I like that. I liked the fact that Palpatine turned out to be a dirty old man, and clonked on the head by a cross for good measure! I wish Tim Burton had given him more lines, though...
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I'll buy that. Your no-prize is in the mail. We also would have accepted "The dark overlord had once again escaped the Nexs of Sominus and was seeking to exact revenge on Jeffery Jones" or "The entire movie was just yet another stylish excuse to show off his girlfriend's cleavage".
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I didn't find it to be a life-affirming experience or anything, and I actually thought the first one was better, but.. It was still very very good. Just for the part where *I SUPPOSE THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED A SPOILER* Zurg climbs out of his box and comes after the second Buzz Lightyear*END OF SORTA SPOILER*, that was well worth price of admission for the giggling fits I was in over it. My bro had to restrain me from yelling 'YESSSSS!' Extremely cool. I didn't find myself as emotionally connected to this one as I was to the first, but maybe that's just the sequel factor. LOVED the table lamp short, and the appearance of another Pixar character in the movie was a treat. Even if you don't get in touch with your inner child or anything, the movie's a lot of fun. Go see it.
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I went to see this at the El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard. It was on Digital projection all the way even with the trailers, and I must say, this film deserves to be shown Digitally in all theatres across the United States!
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This is the first time, I've commented and if there was a film to talk about this year or ever, it's Toy Story 2.
And Harry, I get it.
It's been two days now...I'm still thinking about Toy Story 2; I'm still thinking about Zurg, but more importantly I've been thinking about Harry's Pixar creed. How beautiful, how unpretentious, how honest his review is, and how HONEST Toy Story 2 is.
Is life worth living - to be torn apart at the seams, to be taught and to teach, to love and lose love. Yes. Does it hurt when friends put you on a shelf or people don't understand you and not only want "the Show" but require it, but shine you up and renew you and erase the scars of love and loss, to put you in a place that's not where your heart is? Of course. And if you've been lied to and lost your friends, you must go on living, you must pick yourself up; you can't put yourself behind glass and immortalize yourself as something people want you to be...immortalize yourself in the hearts of others and continue to love.
So why am I commenting? Because I'm with Harry. You cynical fan boy geeks with your shrink wrapped lives and sealed up toys with your pretentious facades and "it's just a cartoon" bullshit is really sad. Because you missed the point of this movie and your missing the point of life. It's sad because you've lost the child inside. You've lost that wide eyed innocence that the movies bring. That moment you jumped when Vader surprises Luke in ESB. The last 45 minutes of ET - the uncontrollable joy, the fear, and the storm of tears. Remember that? Remember when you felt that? Do you know why you felt it? Because you believed. You believed ET was real. You believe Elliot loved him. You believe it all. And now, you don't believe it. And in the immortal words of Yoda, "That is why you fail."
I believed Toy Story 2. I cried during Jesse's flashback. I believed her. I loved Zurg. I understood Woody. You know what I did?
I went home and opened all my unopened toys.
Toy Story 2 is the best film of the year. It does more for cinema than any other film this year.
But only if you believe.
And that's life. Believe it.
In the original TS, Buzz needed to believe who he was. I think we all have to. And it's hard, and I'm not good at it. But dammit, I'm trying. And it hurts. But you have to believe it.
Genuinely believe whole heartedly. That's what Toy Story 2 does. It believes itself.
I can think of my most favorite films easily, and they are all films that affected me, that involved me, that made me believe.
Pulp Ficiton, ESB, ET, Die Hard, Rear Window, Young Frankenstein, Scream, Bull Durham, JFK, Last Crusade, and now without a doubt Toy Story 2.
Believe Toy Story 2.
Because the beauty of it is that it believes you.
Dan
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THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU.
What a great review. Toy Story was one of my all time favorite movies, it always manages to cheer me up when I'm feeling down (any idea when the DVD is coming out?). I was really looking forward to the sequel coming out and all the advance stuff I was seeing was looking really promising. Now thanks to you're review I can hardly wait to see it (I live in the UK and it isnt released here till Feb).
You're review not only filled me with anticipation for the film, but it also GENUINELY touched me. It is good to see that there are other people out there who want to retain the childlike sense of wonder and total emertion in a film. I am 23 and love to watch films which deliver a pure and innocent view of what the world should be like. We live in a cynical and cruel world and movies like this are pure escapism for anyone who wants to leave all that behind and emerse themselves in a world where things are always much more fun and loving. Okay I know all this is VERY corny but what the hell, I'm just an optimistic guy. I am relitively new to your site but from now on your reviews will be the ones that I stick by. Keep up the good work and don't listen to the nay-sayers and cynics coz they are most definately, WRONG. -
"Better than the original" barely begins to describe this movie. Toy Story 2 is simply the best animated film... EVER.
It's capable of going head-to-head with any movie, animated or otherwise, in both heart and hilarity. I can't wait to see what Disney has up their sleave next.
Can't wait for Dinosaur!!! -
It was pretty good for a sequel - but please - it did not hold a candle to the original.
I give it an: okay.
I think straight to video should have been the way to go! -
Sure there was the obvious reference to ESB, but there were many more to other movies/tv/books etc. The ESB was made obvious so that the rest of you could get a clue and start watching for them. From the lack of traffic regarding these other references, I don't believe many of you got a clue. If you have not seen it yet, keep an eye wide open for other movies, such as Star Trek, ET, Dr. No (I think), and Spinal Tap (Yes, that Spinal Tap). I too was clueless at the beginning, I am sure I missed a few. Finding these references is as much fun as finding blaring mistakes (such as Nikes in a 1960's era film). But was not as much fun as the Dodo bird singing "it's a small world" in Lion King and Scar yelling "Anything but that." GO SEE THE MOVIE.
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Toy Story was a wonderful film - Toy Story 2 tops it. It has much more poignancy, especially in Jessie the Cowgirl's story, which, if that didn't touch you, then you really are a heartless fuck. I was actually kinda hoping at the very end to see Andy's kids finding a box in the attic and playing with Woody, Buzz, Hamm and all the rest. Now, that would have been a perfect ending. And yes, the Zurg/Star Wars thing was predictable - still kept laughing, though. And the airport scene was great - and our little green friends returned! "You saved our lives! We are eternally grateful!"
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This weekend I went to see Toy Story 2 at the theater and purchased and re-watched a newly released animation video. As I sit here typing on my Apple, planning the next semester of my Digital Animation college major, I still must declare: IRON GIANT WAS BETTER!!!!! (and being john malkovich is the best movie of the year)
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In this world of hyper-hype, it is incredibly rare to come across a movie that actually lives up
to the buzz, let alone exceeds it. Case in point: Episode I.
But Toy StoryII refueled my belief in the magic of cinema. It blew my MTV-juiced, cynical, hype-dulled and jaded mind.
Story is everything Hollywood forgot in its quest for grosses.
Soul. Story and situations you could identify with.
I cared for the characters.
I actually went misty when Jessie's song came on.
The plot was fresh.
It's the kind of sequel worthy of Empire and Lethal Weapon II.
Move over Gibson and Glover, this is the ultimate buddy movie.
The in-jokes came fast and furious. The message really touched a chord. Not just for toy collectors but for the Peter Pans in all of us.
When the movie ended, the hall broke into spontanous applause. This never happened for Episode I.
But the ultimate measure of a film's power is that in a crowded cinema, not one single cell phone rang. Trust me, this is a record in Singapore.
The next day after the movie, my daughter and wife watched me liberate a couple of thousand of dollars of mint-in-box vintage toys. Some more than 25 years young.
Do your friends a favour. Get them to watch it over and over again.
And make it our mission to kick Titanic's over-rated ass for good.
Oscar 2000. Make it TS2!
-sigh-
Well, we can dream can't we? -
test test...I do not trust the servers and I will NOT write a bunch of stuff and it not post....
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I feel the same way about Toy Story 2, it is right up there at the top of my favorite films of the year along with American Beauty and Fight Club. I have to admit that I was absolutely blown away by just how joyous TS2 is. I wasn't prepared. I can understand the comparison of Empire Strikes Back... Funny how there are references to ESB in TS2 even, heh. I don't remember feeling as good walking out of a theater, though, maybe ever. TS2 is uplifting and awesome in every way. I'm sitting here thinking about what I saw last night and it still blows me away and brings a smile to my face. Unbelievable! This year continues to surprise me with great films, and TS2 is one of my all time favorite films.
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Joygasmic? How about Moreofthesameasmic?
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Nov 29, 1999 3:41:58 PM CST
I may be a Toy's R Us kid, but I'm still a schizophrenic communi
by sith lord byron
Harry, I am one of those who can see FIGHT CLUB one night (provided MovieFone doesn't lie to me about showtimes) and Toy Story 2 the next (since MovieFone lied to me about showtimes for THE INSIDER). I enjoyed both films immensely, and feel that they are two of the best three films of the year (1-FIGHT CLUB...2-AMERICAN BEAUTY...3-TOY STORY 2). I do fear, however, that the warm and loving sentiment of TOY STORY 2 pales in comparison to the harsh surrealities of FIGHT CLUB. But Harry, I can totally understand why you would disagree. TOY STORY 2 was simply one of the most enjoyable and beautiful movies I have ever seen. Don't worry, your faithful anarchist here hasn't gone soft. I still believe that you should all drive your luxury sedans and overpriced SUV's into the Kathie Lee Gifford section of Wal-Mart and set them on fire to the Muzak strains of My Heart Will Go On...I just think you should shoplift something really neat for the kids on your way out. Oh, and Nordling? I agree with you totally, but this is a review of a kid's movie. Don't say "heartless fuck" in a review of a kid's movie!
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i'm sorry, but when the scene with the "utility belt" buzz and zurk came up, where they were playing football, i knew it was extremely childish, and bein 16, i shouldnt have been laughing, but i just burst out into laughter
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Well geez, now i really want to see Toy Story 2. God, I hope its a lot better then the first cause it really sucked. For me it was like watching pokemon. Was it a test to see how many lame ass moral lessons they could fit into a sigle movie? I felt like i was getting lectured.
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Harry, you are right about Toy Story 2. Thank you for being so open and without guile. It is a movie so good that you do want to get down on your knees and thank God for it.
There's a sort of Jorge Luis Borges aspect to it, for both Woody and Buzz. Is Woody the same Woody who hung out with Jessie and even Stinky Pete, or is he Andy's plaything? His very identity is questioned. Same with Buzz, confronted with the alpha Buzz. And Jessie, who somehow can recall her life as a toy alongside her life as a TV icon. There is some metaphysical subtlety to this movie that, no kidding, we probably haven't seen since Bergman put Death at the chessboard. And this, in a movie that my 9-year-old son giggled at nonstop. It's a freakin' miracle. -
****SEMI-SPOILER****Did anyone notice when the original Buzz Lightyear got into the toy store, saw his twins with their utility belts and said in his best Home Improvement voice, "Oh-oh-oh, I've got to get one of those utility belts." Pure genius.
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Boys and Girls, Children of All Ages--
Toy Story 2 is the kind of movie that you would've wanted to see
when you were eight or nine years old. You would've gone to your mom or dad and gotten down on your knees and begged--shamelessly begged--to have your folks take you to it, 'cause all the other kids were going, and you had to see it, too. And you probably would have filled with joy as they said yes, with smiles across their faces. You wouldn't know that they were secretly delighted that you'd asked them to take you, because frankly, they wanted to see it, too, but didn't want to let you know that.
That's the true delight of Toy Story 2; Mom and Dad will enjoy it just as much as the kids. This is a special movie, and a rare commercial one, with heart and wit, instead of being simply pure merchandising porn. All the things I loved about the original were brought back, and improved--something I thought would be nigh near impossible. From Woody's discovery of his storied past, to the Buzz Lightyear aisle, to the final amazing action sequence that puts Bond and Schwarznegger pictures to shame, this is one of the best of the year. -
Just my review of TOY STORY 2!
The sequel to Pixars Toy Story, is BETTER, FUNNIER, and MORE INTELLEGENT than the first. An incredible achievement in such a short time, Pixar is such an amazing company. To start, they treat you to their first film, "Jr." which started the company on it's way, before the huge bidding war between the multi-powers-) Disney won!
And Toy Story 2 features a host of characters, some old, some new, that jump to life, in a story that is as entertaining to adults as it is to children. Kids will miss the best jokes, spoofs on Jurassic Park, and Star Wars, as well as a multitude of "In" jokes, including a noticable "Bugs Life" toy in the Background at a toy store, and the "re-introduction" of The Chess Master, a character from one of Pixar's earlier films, as the Toy Cleaner, who has Chess Pieces in his kit.
A MUST see! There are too many jokes to keep track of, which means I will have to see it again to catch the ones I missed while laughing at the others!
My Take!
CB
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That's because you "across the pond" are a bunch of heartless fucks. It's a shame Hitler didn't make your country into the parking lot it so obviously deserves to be. Peace.
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Dec 04, 1999 10:54:11 AM CST
Thanks for the passion, Harry, but, jeez, try to relax and write
by jeaoure
Between Toy Story 2, Fight Club, and The Matrix alone, it's been a terrific movie year. Personally, I would LOVE to see TS2 clean up at the Oscars. It's that good.
Disney/Pixar has created an utterly amazing masterpiece.
But, good grief, Harry. Life changing? Tear-inducing? Fella, no offense, but if you think that Toy Story 2 was some sort of spiritual experience, you really ought to get out more.
Whatever. I don't claim to speak for everybody, but I'd much rather hear a reviewers thoughts on elements of the film itself, not immature ramblings about the antics of the kids that sat in front of him in the theatre or the weepy episodes that followed the movie.
But, for everyone else, I have to agree with Harry on the main point: make Toy Story 2 a priority. It's a wonderful film, no matter what age you are. -
Invoking the name of Hitler in a friendly discussion about a cartoon
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I loved this movie! And as for the Jesse scene, although overly sentimental, I thought it was very very touching and poignant. And the song was sung with such sorrow and heartfelt warmth by Sarah McLachlan. Laughable? Were you raised as a Vulcan or something? You brits need to loosen up that spine a bit, and have a heart. You must not have had any toys worth remembering as a child.
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Just read your thoughts on Toy Story 2 and I agree it is a good movie. I just was surprised to read such negative talk on the talk back page. I mean it is just a little peoples movie right? They do make chat rooms for people who want to beat each other up like that don't they? Anyways, enjoyed the movie and your review.
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Just read your thoughts on Toy Story 2 and I agree it is a good movie. I just was surprised to read such negative talk on the talk back page. I mean it is just a little peoples movie right? They do make chat rooms for people who want to beat each other up like that don't they? Anyways, enjoyed the movie and your review.
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Just read your thoughts on Toy Story 2 and I agree it is a good movie. I just was surprised to read such negative talk on the talk back page. I mean it is just a little peoples movie right? They do make chat rooms for people who want to beat each other up like that don't they? Anyways, enjoyed the movie and your review.
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Just as good the second time. Regression is sweet. Definitely the best kid's movie of the year, which means it's better than SW,EP.1:TPM (Talk about mawkish!) In my top ten. Yeah I cried during Jessie's song - what of it, huh?! You callin' me a wuss?! Huh!? "Well I'm a full grown man but I'm not afriad to cryyyyyyyy!"
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Hi Harry
I loved toy story and my daughter(1&1/2) watches it 3or 4 times a day. I can't wait to see ts2 now. Whats the storyline?
PT -
This happens all the time, I'm gonna have to wait approximately (1..2..3..) FOREVER to see this movie. I think it's about time the yanks released movies here as early as they are in the states.
Any other English people who agree with me speak up, try to make the big-wigs over in the states listen to us.
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"Be there alive any man who's soul is so dead, never, once to himself hath said"....DAMN THIS CARTOON ROCKS!!!! I'm 47, 400 lb.s and proud to say, I cried at "Iron Giant", was stunned by "Akira", love "Heavy Metal", and dug the hell out of "Toy Story 2". Now, if only some Gigabuck Daddy would teach Roger Dean animation and fund it, and hire a truly Mythic writer, you can carry me home to die happy! It HAS been a Great Year in Film!
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...MORE SAILOR JUPITER! MORE SAILOR JUPITER! And damn the fool who ever let Hanna and Barbara draw!
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Snuck in for a few minutes after catching a sneak of Brannagh's new Love's Labour's Lost (which is cute, you know?) and ended up staying for the whole flick - one great scene follows another, so it couldn't be helped. NOW, I find that they're introducing a "Blooper" segment after the credits - a dispicable marketing ploy, I know! But I guess I'll have to see it again again.
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I did not realize how good this movie was until it was over. I look back and think WOW. What animation was invented for. To tell a story that otherwise might not have been made. Thank you PIXAR Keep up the good work.
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Hmm, seems my earlier post criticising Hairy's review technique was deleted. Hey pal, why dont ya just delete my posting account too? Oops, did I say that?
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A few years ago, I had seen Toy Story in the theatre and when it came out on video we snatched it up. At that time I was going through an incredibly painful post-partum depression and I truly believde that that movie was partly responsible for my recovery. I watched it daily to smile and laugh. It was almost the only thing that could make me smile. Now I was in line to see Toy Story II with my 3 & 4 yr old, and I was more excited than them. Woody and Buzz are my friends. I missed them, and they touched my heart and made me happy again, even when I didn't know I needed it.
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For once, I agree with your review of Toy Story 2. Whoever made the "rule" that animated movies could not be considered for best picture, actor, etc. should change their mind after seeing this fine piece of work. Memories of childhood, favorite toys, and the friendships of youth streamed through my mind while experiencing this movie. Truly one for the ages.
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I could not agree with you more. My only complaint involved my 4-1/2 year old daughter.....She fell in love with Jessie....I suspect it was Jessie's exuberance that got to her.....Anyway my complaint is where is the Jessie stuff. They have lots of Buzz and Woody "stuff" and some Jessie stuff......We want more Jessie stuff: Soft Dolls similar to Woody that talk, Jessie drinking straws with Jessie clinging to the straw as if her life depended upon it, Jessie character at Disneyland and Disneyworld to sign autographs, A Jessie cartoon on Saturday mornings, and just more & more Jessie stuff.
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This film is the greatest film you or any member of your family will ever see. It scores 25 out of 10. I am still crying after seeing it 3 hours ago. There is nothing in this film that is anything less than perfect. Thank you Pixar, thank you.
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I've never seen your web pages before. I've never read any of your reviews before.
In fact I've never even heard of you.
But from the state of what you have written, it is utterly apparent you currently reside in Pixar's Pocket.
Toy Story 2 may be a good film, I don't know, I haven't seen it, and from your 'review' I might see it, I might not bother.
I'm glad for you Pixar have obviously shown you a modicum of respect and hospitality, but please, don't feel the need to repay them in such an obvious and crass manner.
Just a review would have been nice, although for someone practically one step away from being on the payroll, it can appreciate it could be difficult.
I understand. -
Decided to chuck my opinion of this outrageously slick flick into the pit of critical hell.
Pixar get it right from start to final curtain and whack in a kick-shin scribble-pad with a tight structure and characterisation that extends naturally and believably from the first outing.
Aside from the fact that some hardtops ripped the fluff reel off the print after two weeks of release, this super-talkie is revolutionary, tall-screen magick. -
The sequal to a film that most people with red blood hold dear in their hearts was always going to be a big let-down. A shambling script put together by twenty of Disneys most dyslexic monkeys, animation that would make PoKeMoN look like... well Toy Story, and a general feeling of straight-to-video. BUT NO, it seems that Pixar have sold their souls to old Nick himself, because Toy Story's little brother is absolutely FANTASTIC!!! The basic premise is far more intelligent even than the first's petty rivalry. Bordering on MatriX-level musings on whether it is better to be alive for one day, than live forever essentially dead. All of this bundled into a superb smorgasbord of genuinely rib-tickling humour. Not just slapstick and the occasional sideways wink at the camera, but in-jokes and almost improvisational phisical comedy. I DARE you not to grin when Rickles does his "Mr Angry Eyes" or when you find out who Emperor Zurk REALLY is. There is a strong case here for a film that is better than the original, it will be argued over for eternity.
When I got out of the cinema I couldn't stop the elastic bands from pulling my mouth into a big grin. "FAN-bloody-TASTIC!" I yelled, the crowd behind me all made agreeing noises, and the lucky crowd just going in smiled in anticipation. I even considered joining the back of their queue. An old friend of mine, once swore that animated movies weren't really films at all, well James, if you still think the same after seeing this, then you are a bigger twat than I took you for. better than sex? Very nearly. -
Ahh... This takes me back to when I first saw Toy Story 2. My first reaction to the posters and trailers, I saw in the theatres was a typical teenager response: a sarcastic, "Ohh! Let's go see that movie." But as the reviews came pouring in, it started to catch my eye. Suddenly, I actually wanted to see it. So, I went to the theatre, armed with excuses like, "Well, I liked the first one so much when I was 7, so it'd be nice to see it, etc." I hid my face as I bought the tickets and noticed that everyone else was seeing movies like Blue Streak (If I remember correctly) But when I entered the theatre and the movie started, a smile crossed my face and that smile stayed there all night. The movie was amazing. Talking about it with my friends at school, one said "You aren't going to become obbsessed with thins movie just like [previous movies], are you?"
To which I responded, "Of course not." 9 months later, I have seen Toy Story 2 four times, and am anxiously awaiting October 17, when I get my 3-pack DVD set.
So, I can relate with the reviewer on this movie. It was absolute gold.See it on video, see if it's still playing in theatres somewhere... just see it!!
By the way, Jessie was the best character in the whole movie. Long live Joan Cusack! -
I'm not the type to go raving about movies. I (and most of my friends and family) consider me a harsh critic and severe cynic. I had always thought "The Producers" was the most nearly perfect movie I had ever seen. I still do. Nearly perfect. "Toy Story 2" IS perfect.
Sorry, Mel Brooks!
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