Toy Story

1995 Comedy

Toy Story was the first feature-length film animated entirely by computer. If this seems to be a sterile, mechanical means of moviemaking, be assured that the film is as chock-full of heart and warmth as any Disney cartoon feature. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy belonging to a wide-eyed youngster named Andy. Whenever Andy's out of the room, Woody revels in his status as the boy's number one toy. His supremacy is challenged by a high-tech, space-ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who, unlike Woody and his pals, believes that he is real and not merely a plaything. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz hilariously intensifies during the first half of the film, but when the well-being of Andy's toys is threatened by a nasty next-door neighbor kid named Sid -- whose idea of fun is feeding stuffed dolls to his snarling dog and reconstructing his own toys into hideous mutants -- Woody and Buzz join forces to save the day. Superb though the computer animation may be, what really heightens Toy Story are the voice-over performances by such celebrities as Tom Hanks (as Woody), Tim Allen (as Buzz), and Don Rickles (as an appropriately acerbic Mr. Potato Head). Director John Lasseter earned a special achievement Academy Award, while Randy Newman landed an Oscar nomination for his evocative musical score. more..

Director: John Lasseter

Starring: Tom Hanks,Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn

Reviews

  • A parent-tickling delight, is a work of incredible cleverness in the best two-tiered Disney tradition.

    Elvis Mitchell - The New York Times

    11 May 2013

  • Although its computer-generated imagery is impressive, the major surprise of this bright foray into a new kind of animation is how much cleverness has been invested in story and dialogue.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    11 May 2013

  • A visionary roller-coaster ride of a movie.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    11 May 2013

  • The first animated feature produced entirely on computer is a magically witty and humane entertainment, a hellzapoppin fairy tale about a roomful of suburban toys who come to life when humans aren't around.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • A gem of fast action, sophisticated wit and inspired comedy.

    Peter Stack - The San Francisco Chronicle

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (1996)

  • John Lasseter

    Academy Awards (1996)

  • Best Fantasy Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1996)

     
  • Best Animated Feature

    Annie Awards (1996)

  • Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects

    BAFTA Awards (1997)