Story
When Andy’s (voiced by John Morris) family decides to have a garage sale, one of the toys from Andy’s room gets put into the sale box. While the rest of the toys keep watch at the window, Woody (Tom Hanks) launches a rescue mission to save it. With the help of the family’s dog, Woody saves the toy, but loses his grip and falls to the ground. Al (Wayne Knight), a greedy collector and the owner of Al’s Toy Barn, finds him and can hardly wait to buy him. This is because Al has spent years searching for this exact toy. Andy’s mother (Laurie Metcalf) tells him repeatedly that Woody is not for sale and locks him in the money box for safekeeping. Undaunted, Al takes the money box, breaks the lock open and steals Woody.
Andy’s toys, led by Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), launch their own rescue mission to save Woody and bring him home. This is easier said than done, especially when they find they have to repeatedly outwit the Evil Emperor Zurg (Andrew Stanton), a toy who is pursuing Buzz.
Meanwhile Woody learns where he’s come from. It turns out that he’s part of a collectors set and that he is the star of his own TV show. He gets to know his co-stars, Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer), and their history. Woody is drawn towards them and away from his old life in Andy’s room. When his rescuers finally show up, he must choose between being adored at a distance forever, or loved by a child for a short time.
Themes
Commercialism; kidnapping; growing out of childhood
Violence
This movie contains some violence. For example:
Sexual references
This movie contains some sexual references. For example:
- Mr Potato Head keeps telling himself that he is ‘a married spud’ when Tour Guide Barbie takes the wheel beside him.
- During the end credits, Stinky Pete is chatting up two Barbies who have squeezed into his box with him.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie contains some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- A group of Barbies have a pool party dressed in bikinis.
- Two Barbies in mini skirts show a lot of thigh.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in this movie: Twister, Candyland, Cheezels, Barbies and Mr Potato Head.
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Toy Story 2 3D is an animated adventure, featuring more realistic special effects than its original version. This is because of the 3D technology. Fans of the original movie are likely to enjoy seeing this.
The main messages from this movie are to:
- be there for your friends when they need you
- accept that change always happens
- understand that it’s important to be truly loved, even if it’s only for a short time. This is better than living your whole life being admired without true affection.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include resourcefulness, having faith in people you love, compassion and forgiveness.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the importance of helping people in need and being prepared to understand the feelings and actions of others.