Toy Story 2

The folks at Pixar have triumphed once again. They've taken Toy Story -- a film that changed the shape of animation (into 3D) and enchanted audiences spanning generations -- and made it better. This time Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) has been stolen by a greedy toy collector who plans to sell him to a museum in Japan, and Buzz (Tim Allen) leads a team of our old favorites, including Mr. Potatohead and Slinky Dog, to rescue him. This brings the toys out of Andy's room and into the real world, giving the Pixar people a chance to flex their mouses -- grown-ups have faces this time and Buzz gets to take on an airplane.

Whereas Toy Story was a children's film that adults could enjoy, the sequel pushes the big-kid humor up a notch. There's plenty of slapstick for the little ones to laugh at, but some jokes, like the wild Barbie beach party and the inspired Star Wars references, are purely for adult entertainment. And by confronting questions of self-worth -- can the monetary value of a toy kept pristine in its box equal the joy that toy would give to a child who plays with it? -- Pixar has created a film that's more provocative than its predecessor, making you want to find all the toys you ever threw away, invite them to a tea party, and tell them you're sorry. At the Harbour Mall, Showcase, Tri-Boro, and Woonsocket cinemas.
-- Jumana Farouky