If you're reading this review, chances are you've already watched Toy Story at least once. But honestly? That just goes to show how powerful this movie is - you just want to hear someone else talk about it because you love it so much. And I don't blame you!
For me, every time Christmas rolls around, I get the urge to put Toy Story on. It might not officially be categorized as a holiday film like Home Alone, but somehow it naturally became part of my personal Christmas tradition.
| Toy Story Score Card | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Animated Family / Comedy |
| Star of the Show | Woody & Buzz Lightyear |
| Vibe Comparison | A Christmas tradition like Home Alone (1990) |
| Final Rating | 5 out of 5 Stars |
A Magical Era of Pixar Legend
When you look at who made this film - John Lasseter, Pete Docter, and so many other absolute legends - it's clear they put 110% of their hearts into it. They were sleeping under their desks and playing crazy games around the office, operating in a raw, passionate era that just doesn't exist at Pixar anymore. Nowadays, things are far more structured with HR regulations and rules, but back then, it was pure creative magic. They even snuck in subtle adult jokes that went completely over kids' heads, making it an absolute blast for parents, too. Plus, knowing that some of the key creators and voice talents who worked on this classic are no longer with us gives it an even deeper nostalgia.
Speaking of the cast, having Jim Varney - the actor who played Ernest - as the voice of Slinky Dog was incredible. The Ernest movies were a massive part of my childhood, so hearing his iconic voice in this film brings back so many great memories. It taps right into that childhood feeling of getting McDonald's Happy Meal toys and staring across your bedroom at night, trying to catch your toys moving when they think you aren't looking.
Overpowering Technical Limitations with World-Class Storytelling
Looking back now, early 3D animation had its technical limits. Sure, we had similar computer-generated shows like VeggieTales popping up around the same era, but at the time, Toy Story felt mind-blowing and groundbreaking. More importantly, the story and character writing were so phenomenal that they completely overpowered any early animation limitations.
And then there's the music. "You've Got a Friend in Me" is timeless, powerful, and hits just as hard today as it did on day one.
The Ultimate Favorite Scene & Lesson
If I had to pick my favorite scene in the whole movie, it's at the very end when they're soaring through the air. Woody is yelling with excitement that they're finally flying, and Buzz hits us with that classic line: "This isn't flying, this is falling with style!" They smash right into Mr. Potato Head in the back of the moving van with RC, and eventually land right next to Andy in the car.
When Woody and Buzz lie there in Andy's arms and secretly wink at each other, we get to see two former rivals officially become best friends. It's such a powerful message: just because someone is completely different from you doesn't mean you can't end up being closest friends. That moment marked the true beginning of a lifelong friendship.
Final Thoughts
By setting the bar impossibly high on their very first feature-length attempt, Pixar created a timeless masterpiece that every animated movie since has had to live up to. While I'd have to think hard about my absolute number one Pixar film, Toy Story easily sits comfortably in my Top 3 of all time.
I hope you have a great friend like Woody or Buzz in your life! And hey, if you ever need another friendly circle to hang out with, consider joining my Discord server. It's quiet and low-key, but we're all friendly and it's a great space to chat movies and express yourself.
My Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Do you have a friend like Woody or Buzz in your life? Let me know in the comments below, and until next time, share a smile - they're contagious! Must-watch!