Back in 1995, before the Internet and applications that make the world easier, computer-generated animation might have been some kooky idea from a deranged scientist. Pixar thought otherwise when they wrote Toy Story. They took the concept to develop a timeless film, which would lead to an extremely successful franchise.
The megacast included Hollywood royalty, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Laurie Metcalf, and the late Jim Varney. How could a movie fail with the voices of Forrest Gump, Tim “The Toolman,” Jackie Harris, and Ernest? Andy may be thirty years older, but Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang haven’t aged at all!
“You Are a Toy!”
Did you ever wonder what your toys did when you weren’t around? Do they sit perfectly where you left them, or do they have their own lives with an entire community? Toy Story captured the imagination of children everywhere, bringing their favorite playthings to life!
The story shows how old toys get nervous and jealous when new toys and presents are introduced into a child’s life. Andy receives the new hot toy that is flying off the shelf, a shiny new Buzz Lightyear (aka Mrs. Nesbitt) action figure. Of course, his old favorite toy, Woody, a scrawny cowboy with an unimpressive voice box with a pull string, becomes instantly jealous. Mr. Potato Head would refer to this as “laser envy.”
Buzz believes he is a real space ranger sent here from Star Command. Woody, on the other hand, tries to convince that he’s nothing but a toy. The jealousy and hatred grow so much that Woody almost accidentally commits toy-on-toy homicide by pushing Buzz out the second-story window.
The duo, battling for top toy, find themselves in their first predicament. As they try to get back in the graces of Andy and his family, they get to enjoy a night out at what looks like the greatest pizza place ever! We learn that some aliens look to the sky for the master of their universe. Although it’s not He-Man, the Claw determines the fate of the Minion-like creatures.
Andy’s neighbor and possible future criminal, Sid (who Buzz doesn’t believe ever attended medical school), wins double prizes as the Claw determines Buzz and Woody’s destiny. The troubled neighbor brings the two back to his room, where he keeps all his toy torture devices. Woody, scared sh*tless, tries to find an escape while Buzz gets depressed when finding out he is not a real space ranger.
Buzz is next on Sid’s hit list, so Woody comes up with a plan to get him out of his grasp. He collaborates with a group of deformed toys pieced together with odd body parts. The duo must find their way back to Andy’s before his big move. Will they do it? You probably already know the answer!
“This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Two of Us”
Well, Woody was kind of right on this one. The town wasn’t big enough for the two of them. The proof is that Toy Story launched a mega-franchise. Pixar struck gold, and the original computer-animated movie is now about to launch its fifth rendition, 30 years later.
Raking in over 3.3 billion dollars, the franchise is the third-highest-grossing animated film globally. It also paved the way for other great Pixar films such as A Bug’s Life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Up! Now, fans can look forward to Toy Story 5, scheduled for release in the Summer of 2026. Order yourself some Pizza Planet and enjoy the fifth!
Final Thoughts
Whether you think it’s flying or falling with style, we all have a friend in Woody and Buzz! Toy Story is an epic animated film that should be shared with every generation. It has appeal for the entire family, even if you don’t have children; don’t be ashamed to admit you love these movies. So before you strap a rocket to a toy, burn, or torture it, just remember one thing. “From now on, you must take good care of your toys, because if you don’t, we’ll find out, Sid. We toys can see everything! So play nice!”
