Pixar's first, and what started it all. This movie was a lot simpler than I remembered. I was surprised how underdeveloped many of the side characters were, and how suddenly it ended. Like most kids animated movies, the plot is often contrived and too over the top. In particular near the end, but I don't think it ever detracts majorly from such a magical experience. Maybe the nostalgia is still hitting, but man was this movie still so much fun. The concept seems kinda dumb, but it's so genius with how it's executed and how it changes your perspective of toys. I love how creative it is with its small scale. Although there are some questions left about the logic of this world, it's mostly well realized.
One of the surprising highlights of this movie on rewatch is that it was a lot funnier than I remembered. With the script being so witty and clever, I was laughing consistently. Lots of adult jokes and subtle humor. Despite the humor though, it also manages to effortlessly blend genre and have its more mature and dramatic moments that work. I always love how Pixar films are able to blend genre so well, like the "horror" moments with Sid. I think this is one of my favorite Pixar films now and it's so rewatchable thanks to its fast pace and short length. What a smooth ride with such a tight script You can tell how this is the blue print for a lot of subsequent Pixar classics.
I also saw this movie in a different context due to some personal experiences. The simplicity in this case does work because you're kinda able to use the toys as examples for other things. Like I love how immediately when Buzz is introduced everyone is enamored by this new fancy toy, as opposed to Sid's screwed up toys, Buzz and Woody immediately assume they're evil. Just goes to show how real these toys feel and how well written the characters are. I really enjoyed Woody's and Buzz's arcs. They're kinda over the top, but in a good way. I forgot how jealous Woody is. It's hilarious, but it does feel quite real and I appreciate how they didn't stray away from making him kinda scummy at times. Buzz's depression after realizing the truth is also so real and hilarious.
Due to Toy Story's influence I am being more lenient and giving it bonus points. The animation isn't very good by today's standards. The real people and animals look iffy, but I actually think most of it looks good still considering they're meant to be toys, so it kinda works. The exaggerated facial expressions are also hilarious and add to the charm, which is lost in the sequels. Plus with strong direction even bad animation can work, and while it's no Brad Bird it's still extremely good. It's not quite as amazing as I remembered as a kid, but even after all these years this is still an impressive work and worthy of being praised among the best animated films. Another one of my favorite Pixar's after The Incredibles and Ratatouille.
(8.5/10)
[Note: For my thoughts on all the Pixar films (because I won't be making full reviews for all of them), and to see how my ratings changed on rewatch, check out my "Pixar Ranked" list.]
One of the surprising highlights of this movie on rewatch is that it was a lot funnier than I remembered. With the script being so witty and clever, I was laughing consistently. Lots of adult jokes and subtle humor. Despite the humor though, it also manages to effortlessly blend genre and have its more mature and dramatic moments that work. I always love how Pixar films are able to blend genre so well, like the "horror" moments with Sid. I think this is one of my favorite Pixar films now and it's so rewatchable thanks to its fast pace and short length. What a smooth ride with such a tight script You can tell how this is the blue print for a lot of subsequent Pixar classics.
I also saw this movie in a different context due to some personal experiences. The simplicity in this case does work because you're kinda able to use the toys as examples for other things. Like I love how immediately when Buzz is introduced everyone is enamored by this new fancy toy, as opposed to Sid's screwed up toys, Buzz and Woody immediately assume they're evil. Just goes to show how real these toys feel and how well written the characters are. I really enjoyed Woody's and Buzz's arcs. They're kinda over the top, but in a good way. I forgot how jealous Woody is. It's hilarious, but it does feel quite real and I appreciate how they didn't stray away from making him kinda scummy at times. Buzz's depression after realizing the truth is also so real and hilarious.
Due to Toy Story's influence I am being more lenient and giving it bonus points. The animation isn't very good by today's standards. The real people and animals look iffy, but I actually think most of it looks good still considering they're meant to be toys, so it kinda works. The exaggerated facial expressions are also hilarious and add to the charm, which is lost in the sequels. Plus with strong direction even bad animation can work, and while it's no Brad Bird it's still extremely good. It's not quite as amazing as I remembered as a kid, but even after all these years this is still an impressive work and worthy of being praised among the best animated films. Another one of my favorite Pixar's after The Incredibles and Ratatouille.
(8.5/10)
[Note: For my thoughts on all the Pixar films (because I won't be making full reviews for all of them), and to see how my ratings changed on rewatch, check out my "Pixar Ranked" list.]