Get ready to embark on a journey of nostalgia and innovation as we delve into the world of the iconic “Toy Story” movies. This article will contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t seen all the films yet.
The Dawn of a New Era: “Toy Story” (1995)
When John Lasseter’s “Toy Story” hit the screens in 1995, it revolutionized the film industry. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) had already been in use for about a decade, and numerous computer-animated short films had been produced. However, “Toy Story” was the first of its kind – a full-length feature film created entirely using computer animation.
The impact of this groundbreaking film was monumental. Not only did it change the way animated movies were made, but it also enjoyed massive commercial success. With a budget of just $30 million, “Toy Story” earned over $365 million, making it a financial triumph.
The Unique Concept and Stellar Cast
Beyond the technical aspects, “Toy Story” was lauded for its unique and imaginative concept. The idea that your toys come to life when you’re not around was a novel one, sparking the interest of both children and adults. The screenplay, credited to the creative minds of Joss Whedon, Joel Cohen, Andrew Stanton, and Alec Sokolow, was brilliantly executed.
The voice cast was another highlight of the film. With big names like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, and Wallace Shawn, the characters were brought to life with charm and personality.
The Aftermath of “Toy Story”
The success of “Toy Story” marked a significant shift in the animation industry. In the following five years, traditionally animated features were gradually replaced by fully computer-animated ones. This transition was further emphasized when Disney announced its decision to close its traditional animation studio and focus solely on computer animation, just before the release of its 2004 film “Home on the Range”.
“Toy Story” and Pixar’s Continued Success
Despite the industry’s evolution, “Toy Story” and Pixar remained at the forefront. In 1998, the studio released “A Bug’s Life,” which also enjoyed massive success, grossing over $363 million. The sequel to “Toy Story,” aptly named “Toy Story 2,” was released in 1999. The franchise has since added two more sequels, with a third one in the pipeline.
Besides the main series, Pixar also produced a spinoff titled “Lightyear,” along with several short films and TV shows based on the “Toy Story” universe.
Ranking the “Toy Story” Films
For the purpose of this article, we will only rank the five existing theatrical features. However, it’s worth noting that the short films “Small Fry” and “Partysaurus Rex” are quite entertaining. The spinoff shorts from “Toy Story 4,” released as episodes of “Fluffy Stuff with Ducky and Bunny” — “Love” and “Three Heads” — are also hilarious. But for now, let’s focus on the main features.
Conclusion
The “Toy Story” franchise has undeniably made a significant impact on the film industry, setting new standards for animation and storytelling. With its unique concept, excellent screenplay, and top-notch voice cast, it has managed to captivate audiences worldwide, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. As we anticipate more sequels and spinoffs, one thing is for sure — the magic of “Toy Story” is far from over.
FAQs
Q: Who directed the first “Toy Story” movie?
A: The first “Toy Story” movie was directed by John Lasseter.
Q: How many “Toy Story” sequels are there?
A: As of now, there are three sequels to the original “Toy Story” movie, with a fourth one in development.
Q: What is the spinoff of “Toy Story” called?
A: The spinoff of “Toy Story” is called “Lightyear.”
Q: How much did the first “Toy Story” movie make?
A: The first “Toy Story” movie made over $365 million.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
