Toy Story (1995)

Today there is hardly a person who has not heard of Pixar movies. The cartoons created by Pixar are different, far from gimmicky. With twenty movies already in the list and a heap of awards including twenty-six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes and three Grammys, it's still interesting to trace the story back to the first film released by this studio. Actually, it wasn't that long ago, in 1995 and I believe you guessed already what cartoon in was: Toy Story, a debut movie which won the hearts and minds of any viewers, whether they are kids or adults.

As one may surmise from the title, this is a movie about the toys. Yet, it doesn't mean it is intended for kids only, the toys are facing a real life problems. Woody (voice by Tom Hanks) is a cowboy doll, a favorite toy of Andy. But there are also other toys he used to play with: Rex (Wallace Shawn), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and Slinky Dog (Jim Varney). Toys are alive and live their own life when there are no humans close by. But there is one more toy Andy got on his birthday, a Buzz Lightyear doll (Tim Allen).

As it often happens with kids, a new toy is considered to be better than those he already has, so the whole gang including Woody was left behind. Jealous as the cowboy was, he decided to get rid of his opponent by kicking Buzz out of the window. It wouldn't be that bad if Andy had a more peaceful neighbor instead of that crazy Sid Phillips (voiced by Erik von Detten), a torturer of toys. Oh, and one more thing to add, Andy's family is moving next day. So, it's going to be an enventful and risky one-day adventure.

As there are no actors, you may think there is not need to touch this aspect. The deuce it is! The dolls' expressions were modeled in a way you believe they are people! For example, after fifteen minutes of watching you start believing that this is Tom Hanks behind the screen instead of that computer-animated doll named Woody. The emotions are human-like. The voicing cast is above all praise. Tom Hanks is great in all movie parts, the same as in The Polar Express.

The characters/toys are very versatile: Mr. Potato Head is quite pessimistic and obsessed with the idea to meet Mrs. Potato Head one day, Rex is so desperate in his attempts to scare anyone and Slinky is so faithful – you can't stop loving all of them.

As far as it is a cartoon, it is intended for kids first of all. So this is a bright, colorful movie, a nice fantasy for little ones. However, the problems this dolls have to go through seem to appeal mostly to adults. The message is great, the humor is bright and intelligent – add this to what was said above and it becomes clear why this movie is in the list of 100 Movies to See Before You Die.

'What if' is the concept of many Pixar movies. What if it could be true? What if the toys from Toy Story are alive; or what if the monsters from Monsters, Inc. live under your bed; or what if you try to blow up balloons to fly to your dream like Carl Fredrickson did in Up movie. All of the above mentioned cartoons and more including Wall-E, Cars, Finding Nemo are masterpieces created by Pixar.

To conclude, Toy Story movie and its sequels expand your vision of the world by bringing lifeless things to life. The movie is very refreshing and timeless. I couldn't stop re-watching it and even now it is very entertaining to enjoy the whole trilogy, especially the latest part Toy Story 3, which is so far the highest-grossing cartoon, having surpassed the legendary The Lion King.