Toy Story

Re-released in theaters for the film's 30th Anniversary, Toy Story was never the quintessential film for me that is is for some. While I certainly understand its importance to the company, and thoroughly enjoy the film, the animation is still rough in a couple places (most notably in the human characters) and it lacks the emotional impact to me that both Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 deliver. That said, it's still a damn fine movie taking us into a world of what happens to a child's toys once they leave the room. 

It's the arrival of Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), the space ranger who doesn't know he's a toy, that creates jealousy within the cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) who, up until Buzz's arrival, was hands down young Andy's (John Morris) favorite toy. Basically a mismatched buddy flick for most of the running time, the pair get separated from the rest of the toys and have to make it back home before moving day or risk getting left behind.

The imaginative premise hits the ground running. There's plenty to enjoy here in the hidden lives of toys from those that are beloved to those who are far less lucky (as we see in the house next door in what is easily the creepiest segments of the franchise). The assortment of supporting characters, ranging from Army men to Mr. Potato Head (and how the toys, mostly, look out for one another) also helps create an immersive world of imagination. It's not my favorite Pixar film, nor my favorite from this franchise, but it does launch Pixar into a new level of storytelling that will continue to evolve and grow over the next three decades.

Watch the trailer

• Title: Toy Story
• IMDb: link