Toy Story 2

*****

Cast: The voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

Director: John Lasseter

Rating: G

Opens: Now showing Village, Hoyts, Berkeley cinemas

Review: Russell Baillie

I have seen the future of movies and it's name is Pixar.

No, not just because the computer animation of this second adventure of Buzz, Woody and the gang is so darn impressive. Indeed, the Disney-backed company Pixar's efforts are a visual upgrade all round, ranging from fabulously inventive action sequences (which make in-jokes about Jurassic Park and Star Wars among others) to subtle details (reflections in windows, that sort of thing).

The real joy of this sequel is that it's right up there with the first in terms of freewheeling story, wall-to-wall giggles and, well, performances. Like when Woody is literally shelved by owner Andy because he's started to get a bit tatty, it's hard not to feel for him.

Soon afterwards he's pinched by a toy collector who wants to ship him off to a Japanese museum which is offering big yen for a set of the original 1950s Woody merchandise. So Woody must decide between virtual immortality or, if he makes it back to his fast-growing owner, his inevitable obsolescence. Not the sort of life-changing dilemma you see in the movies often.

But that is the reason that beneath the rollicking adventure of Buzz and co's crosstown rescue efforts, Toy Story 2 is computer animation at its finest - it's got heart by the megabyte.

And the best bit: 90 minutes of this brilliance just might convince the kids that Pokemon is rubbish. If not you'll have had a very good time anyway.