Throw Back Movie Review #1: Toy Story

Happy Sunday fellow movie fans; today I am starting a new concept to be featured on this blog, and I call it the "Throw Back Movie Review Segment".  Basically every thursday going forward will feature a movie review of an older movie that generally everyone has seen or at least heard about.  Hopefully it will entertain some of the viewers who appreciate older films, and do not go to the movies all that much.  Today will be the first in the series, and I have selected one of my favorite films of all time:  The original Toy Story.  These reviews will not be split into two parts, and may contain some spoilers.  With that said, lets talk about Toy Story.

When it comes to animation, Pixar studios has often been regarded as the gold standard throughout Hollywood.  I mean look at the films they have put out!  Up, Monsters inc, The Incredibles, Cars, Finding Nemo, and others.  Any Pixar film is almost guaranteed to earn a best animated feature nomination, and rightfully so as they have often deserved it.  However throughout all the animated films I have seen, and I have seen many, one has often stuck with me and has remained a treasure that is dear to my heart.  That film is the original Toy Story.  The movies that I tend to like the most are the ones that allow the audience to bond with the characters they have created, and I would be hard pressed to find a movie that does that better than Toy Story.  Maybe "Up".... Anyways, I am not big on

hiring big Hollywood actors to be the voices of animated characters, but all these years later I find it hard to imagine someone other than Tom Hanks and Tim Allen voicing Woody and Buzz respectfully.  So expertly cast it was remarkable.  Now this review could be a tribute to the entire trilogy altogether, but the first Toy Story will always be my favorite because it is one of the first movies I can ever remember watching.  It is special in that I believe I actually enjoy the movie more now then I did as a kid.  This is what is special about all Pixar films in that they really are for adults.  Do not tell me you did not feel emotional during that opening sequence of "Up", because if you did not then I believe you have no soul.  The feel of Toy Story is so amazing that I forget all the time that I am watching talking toys for heavens sake, because all I see is a bunch of characters that act realer than most people I know.  That is powerful stuff.  These characters embody the family and fraternity that a lot of people crave, and I believe that is a large part of why so many people adore these movies.  If we look past all of the emotion and larger than life aspect of Toy Story, this movie is actually pretty funny.  The chemistry between Woody and the rest of the toys comes off a little like " we respect you, but some of us don't like you" (Mr Potato Head).  Woody gets all the attention until Buzz Lightyear shows up, and it begins the new sibling story arc.  Andy is obsessed with Buzz at first, but deep down he will always love

Woody in a special way, but Woody is unable to see that.  Throw in his worsening relationship with the rest of the toys, and Woody's life is spiraling out of control.  Even though we see that Woody is kind of a dick at times; we all feel bad for him still.  The movie sprinkles in some great humor though out; mostly between Buzz and Woody.
Woody:  Buzz look an Alien!
Buzz: Where?
Woody: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
My favorite scene from the whole movie.  Moments like this are so light hearted, but impactful at the same time.  The Toy Story films are all masterpieces that have such a memorable cast of characters, and a  myriad of touching scenes.  The first one will always be my favorite, but I don't hate on anyone who likes 2 or 3 better.  By the way, how much of a douche is Sid Phillips?  Overall though, I would say this is a near perfect film that is ultimately made to stand the test of time and be entertaining for people truly of all ages.
Rating:  9.9/10

Thanks for checking out this throw back review of Toy Story!  Do you like this new series of reviews? If so, what other old films would you like me to talk about?  Be on the lookout for a post about the weekends movie news that came out plus my review of X-Men:  Days of Future Past.  You won't want to miss that.  Well, until next time; stay tuned, and a have a fantastic sunday.

-  Big D