Toy Story 2 (1999)

The critic hails the film as a technical and creative upgrade over its predecessor and most other movies, praising its hyperreal animation, sharp human script, and emotional depth. He singles out the heartrending Randy Newman song performed by Jessie for particular praise as a standout tear-jerker.

The critic finds the film lively and good-humored with a great sense of fun, commending its clever exploration of themes like the mortality of toys and what it means to be a plaything. The inventive humor, emotional depth, and Pixar team's skill are highlighted as making the sequel irresistibly comic and surprisingly moving.

The critic calls it a highly superior sequel that matches the original in quality and ambition despite lacking some initial surprise. They single out the sensational animation details, charming new characters like Jessie and Bullseye, inventive set-pieces, and added emotional poignancy about toys' limited lifespans for praise.

It surpasses its predecessor and restores credibility to family entertainment, with action for kids and delightful in-jokes and recreations for adults.

The critic praises the film's deep understanding of the emotional bond between children and their toys, focusing on themes of love, abandonment, and the independent lives toys lead when not observed. Voice performances, particularly Tom Hanks as Woody, and the inventive Pixar animation are highlighted for adding philosophical resonance and humor to the adventure.

The critic praises its humanity and understanding of toys' shelf-life, noting it's less fresh than the first but with effective upgrades like integrated musical numbers.

The review celebrates the sequel's heightened imagination and technical sophistication while maintaining the charm and wit of the original, noting its ability to enchant both children and adults. Lasseter's direction is singled out for its effortless storytelling and nostalgic warmth without sentimentality.

The sequel improves on the original with greater wit and imagination, touching the heart without sentimentality through its rescue plot and character involvement.

The review calls the sequel richer and more satisfying than the original in every respect, praising its emotional and thematic depth, fresh characters, and boisterous humor alongside expanded scope. Lasseter and the Pixar team are singled out for pushing boundaries with poignant insights into mortality and outstanding voice work.

Toy Story 2 is the stronger of the two films, more layered and one of the greatest sequels ever made, exploring mortality and the passage of time subtly. The third act stands out for its breathless excitement that surpasses even the Indiana Jones sequels.