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​Why ‘Toy Story 2’ Is One Of The Greatest Sequels Ever

​Why ‘Toy Story 2’ Is One Of The Greatest Sequels Ever

'Toy Story 2' was released 19 years ago today, but it still remains one of Pixar's greatest successes

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Let's face it, most movie sequels are absolutely rubbish, often used merely as a means of squeezing every last possible penny from a franchise - and from its adoring fans, who are desperate for the adventure to continue even though they know it probably shouldn't.

Over the years, we've had everything from disappointments (The Next Karate Kid) through to all-out stinkers (Jaws: The Revenge). Hell, we've even had ones we seriously didn't ask for (Sex And The City 2, I'm looking at you), which were so bad they actually offended.

However, sometimes there's an absolute gem that's able to buck the trend. One that restores our faith in the story continuing.

And stepping in to prove a case in point is Toy Story 2, the 1999 follow-up to the Pixar hit released four years earlier. The film is now 19 years old, and yet we're still using it as the prime example for how to follow-up a well-loved film with respect - and a bit of flair.

via GIPHY

While Disney initially envisaged the sequel as a direct-to-video project (imagine!), Toy Story 2 proved to be both a commercial success and a critical one - with many film reviewers deeming it even better than the first film, praising everything from the technical merit behind the CGI through to the razor-sharp wit that runs throughout the script.

We were also introduced to some solid new characters like Jessie, but not at the expense of the original gang, who remained at the core of the film.

Toy Story 2 also introduced new characters Jessie, Stinky and Bullseye.
Pixar

Paul Clinton of CNN wrote: "Toy Story 2 is a brilliant example of that rarest of Hollywood phenomena a sequel to a major hit film that's as good, if not better, than the original."

Miami New Times' Andy Klein added: "It's a tough act to follow, but director John Lasseter and his Pixar crew have done about as well as can be expected with Toy Story 2."

Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern wrote: "Against most odds, the sequel turned out to be at least as wonderful as Pixar's 1995 original - maybe more so."

It wasn't until 2010 that Toy Story 3 came along - that one's only got a 98 percent 'fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, unlike its predecessors, which both have 100 percent. Tough boots to fill, though, eh?

And, of course, don't forget we've got a fourth one on the way, due to hit cinemas on 21 June 2019.

But while many fans of the franchise are excited to welcome Woody, Buzz and co. back into their lives next summer, others reckon the story should have ended with the third film, which brought things to a 'perfect' close.

One person commented on the official Facebook announcement: "No one asked for this. Toy Story 3 ended perfectly and now they're just going to undo that perfect ending with a continuation of the story.

"As much as I love Toy Story, I wish they'd leave well enough alone. I'm all for keeping the story of the characters going in short films or TV specials like they've done already, but no need for another movie."

Well, only time will tell...

Featured Image Credit: Pixar

Topics: Animation, Film, Entertainment, TV and Film, Pixar, Toy Story 2, Toy Story