This movie came out when I was three. Now I'm twenty seven and the goddamn thing still holds up.
_Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A personal favourite._
Decided to revisit this after many years and still holds up so well. Great movie for both kids and adults with wonderful teachable moments. Just a groundbreaking animated movie all around. **4.5/5**
A stunning feature film entrance from Pixar! <em>'Toy Story'</em> is a true delight, from the first second to the last.
The CGI animation is excellent. All the toys look brilliant, as does the world itself - I love the feel of it. The music is very good, Randy Newman does a nice job - "You've Got a Friend in Me" is a cracker.
Tom Hanks leads a strong cast. Hanks plays Woody, to fantastic effect. He is the best part of this film. Tim Allen is great, too, as Buzz Lightyear. Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Wallace Shawn (Rex) and John Ratzenberger (Hamm) also bring fun.
Everything else is just as terrific: the humour, the pacing, the plot - I enjoy it all. There are probably some flaws in parts, namely Buzz's supposed unawareness, but nothing impacts the viewing experience. Go watch!
Every now and again when you watch antiques programmes on television and somebody turns up with a toy in it's original box - that turns out to be worth more than his car - I regret that I no longer possess any from my childhood. I do recall, however, being especially fickle - the favourite one day was never likely to reign long before being supplanted by another. That's the case here for cowboy "Woody". He is the favourite of owner "Andy" amongst, it has to be said, rather a lot of different ones. Until, that is - one birthday, we meet Space Ranger "Buzz Lightyear". He's actually quite an affable chap, but the green eyed monster is now in charge and "Woody" tries to relegate his successor down the side of the bed. That goes wrong and, accidentally, out of the window he goes. The other toys are horrified, leaving "Woody" with no option but to get over his laser envy, rescue his new rival and repatriate him before the whole family move to a new home! What now ensues are some fun escapades, near misses and they fall into the hands of another young boy who really does want to blast "Buzz" into space. The vocal talents of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are enthusiastic and entertaining, those of Don Rickles ("Mr. Potato Head") sometimes a little nearer the bone for the grown ups and they are all helped along by a good soundtrack and a wittily written script offering us plenty of scenarios that draw the viewer (of whatever age) into this simple, pretty timeless story. It's interesting, for 1995, to note the wide variety of toys this young boy has, too - no gender stereotyping, which is quite refreshing. This is quickly paced and enjoyable animation that touches on the values of trust, companionship and team spirt - as well as the demerits of envy and selfishness - and I really enjoyed it.
Angel Brown
March 17, 2025
Toy Story (1995)– A Groundbreaking Animated Classic That Still Shines
When Toy Story was released in 1995, it wasn’t just another animated film—it was a revolution. As the first feature-length movie created entirely with CGI, Pixar’s debut film set a new standard for storytelling, animation, and emotional depth in family films. Nearly three decades later, Toy Story remains as charming, funny, and heartfelt as ever.
A Story That Captivates All Ages
At its core, Toy Story is a tale of friendship, jealousy, and personal growth. The film follows Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll and the leader of Andy’s toys, whose world is turned upside down when the flashy, space-themed Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) arrives. Woody’s initial resentment towards Buzz—who doesn’t even realize he’s a toy—sparks an entertaining rivalry that soon turns into an unforgettable adventure. The journey teaches both characters valuable lessons about teamwork, self-worth, and loyalty, making the film resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
Unforgettable Characters & Voice Performances
One of Toy Story’s greatest strengths is its memorable characters, each with distinct personalities that feel real. Tom Hanks brings warmth and humor to Woody, portraying his insecurities and leadership with depth. Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear is both hilarious and endearing, with his delusional hero complex creating some of the film’s funniest moments. The supporting cast—Don Rickles as the grumpy Mr. Potato Head, Wallace Shawn as the nervous Rex, and Annie Potts as the kind-hearted Bo Peep—adds layers of charm and humor.
Revolutionary Animation That Still Holds Up
For a film made in the mid-’90s, Toy Story’s animation remains impressive. While Pixar’s later works have refined their techniques, the film’s colorful visuals, expressive character animations, and attention to detail still make it a joy to watch. The animators brilliantly bring the toys to life, giving each one unique movements that reflect their materials—Woody’s floppy limbs, Buzz’s rigid plastic movements, and Slinky Dog’s springy physics.
A Timeless Message With Heart
Beyond its technical achievements, Toy Story endures because of its emotional depth. Themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world are beautifully woven into the narrative. Woody and Buzz’s journey from rivals to best friends is one of the most iconic character arcs in animated history. The film also cleverly explores a child’s imagination, capturing the magic of toys coming to life when no one’s watching.
Final Thoughts
Toy Story isn’t just a great animated film—it’s one of the greatest films ever made. It revolutionized the animation industry, introduced beloved characters, and delivered a heartfelt story that remains as impactful today as it was in 1995. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it as an adult, Toy Story is a masterpiece that continues to entertain, inspire, and remind us why we fell in love with movies in the first place.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
