TOY STORY
A film review by Lewis Butler
Copyright 1995 Lewis Butler
Capsule: You want computer animation, we got computer animation. We're not talking about some piddly stuff like the feather in FORREST GUMP or the effects in TRON, we're talking wall to wall computer effects. Interested? (+2 on the -4/+4)
TOY STORY is the first film from the combined efforts of Disney and a computer effects company named Praxis. It is part of a three picture deal, and it looks like we have something to look forward to.
What we have is amazingly good computer animation, combined with an adequate story, some memorable characters, and a lot of funny dialog. The basic plot is pretty straightforward; Andy gets a new toy, which looks to beat out his former favorite. A jealous tiff starts to develop, but in the end everyone's friends. Not a lot there, admittedly, but the basis for an entertaining movie.
The main characters are quite good, but the movie is almost stolen by Mr. Potato Head. Hasbro should be very pleased, chances are there will be a strong upswing in Mr. Potato Head's sales.
There is a lot of humor in the film, and small touches that really make the film work, at least for me. One thing I noticed was that the army men actually *look* like army men, including the little circles stamped on their body's and the occasional translucent plastic ring that's still attached.
There is also a wonderful scene in which the mutilated toys of the "evil" next door neighbor kid come to life in front of him and literally scare the kid silly. It's quite satisfying.
That said, this is not completely a kids movie. Some young children might be a little scared of the mutilated toys, they evoke memories of NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS with their twisted shapes.
I have high hopes for the next films to come from this alliance.
-- kreme@netcom.com Distribution of this message by Microsoft, its subsidiaries, or its software shall constitute a violation of my copyrights. Microsoft may license copyrights to my messages, for distribution only, for the sum of $1,000 US per week.
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