Credible Credits
Year: 2013
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Carl Weathers, Timothy Dalton, Wallace Shaw, and Don Rickles
Synopsis: During a road trip with their owner, Bonnie, the Toy Story gang get stuck at a roadside motel where strange things begin to happen.
Review
Like my last post, this is a bit of a departure from the norm. Instead of a feature film, Toy Story of Terror! is a TV special that came out last year. But that doesn't make it any less terrific. I actually really enjoy where Pixar has gone with its beloved Toy Story franchise. The shorts and this special provide opportunities to spend time with the lovable characters without having to come up with a contrived, drawn out plot. That said, it was just announced that Toy Story 4 is happening. Here's hoping they have a good plot ... but that's beside the point right now.
While it may not be feature length, Toy Story of Terror! is still made with all the skill and artistry we've come to expect from Pixar. It looks fantastic, just as good as any of their movies. And all the original voice actors are back to do their part. While the story is relatively simple, that's what you want in a 21 minute show. Simple is not boring, and the show keeps you engaged (and laughing) the entire time. Plus the story has a nice message and a good little character arc for our favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie.
Like most things Pixar, the film is filled with subtle gags you can only pick up on repeat viewings. One of my favorites is when Mr. Pricklepants (a hedgehog) is erroneously referred to as a "German beaver." Also fun is the rubber bat (with a visible wire no less) in the horror movie the toys are watching from the start.
The Blu-ray (and I assume DVD) is also filled with terrific extras that add to the fun. You can watch a special version of the show that has "commercials" where the TV breaks are. The commercials are specially made for the video release and are for a few of the new characters in the story. Also included are the three Toy Story Toons that have been released: Hawaiian Vacation, Small Fry, and Partysaurus Rex. Each is a fun little jaunt back through the Toy Story world. Plus there are deleted scenes and a little behind-the-scenes documentary.
I highly recommend Toy Story of Terror! It's fun, clever, and populated with familiar friends. If you can, check it out on TV. Or go ahead and buy the Blu-ray (or DVD). If you love the Toy Story gang, you won't regret it.
While it may not be feature length, Toy Story of Terror! is still made with all the skill and artistry we've come to expect from Pixar. It looks fantastic, just as good as any of their movies. And all the original voice actors are back to do their part. While the story is relatively simple, that's what you want in a 21 minute show. Simple is not boring, and the show keeps you engaged (and laughing) the entire time. Plus the story has a nice message and a good little character arc for our favorite yodeling cowgirl, Jessie.
Like most things Pixar, the film is filled with subtle gags you can only pick up on repeat viewings. One of my favorites is when Mr. Pricklepants (a hedgehog) is erroneously referred to as a "German beaver." Also fun is the rubber bat (with a visible wire no less) in the horror movie the toys are watching from the start.
The Blu-ray (and I assume DVD) is also filled with terrific extras that add to the fun. You can watch a special version of the show that has "commercials" where the TV breaks are. The commercials are specially made for the video release and are for a few of the new characters in the story. Also included are the three Toy Story Toons that have been released: Hawaiian Vacation, Small Fry, and Partysaurus Rex. Each is a fun little jaunt back through the Toy Story world. Plus there are deleted scenes and a little behind-the-scenes documentary.
I highly recommend Toy Story of Terror! It's fun, clever, and populated with familiar friends. If you can, check it out on TV. Or go ahead and buy the Blu-ray (or DVD). If you love the Toy Story gang, you won't regret it.
Quotable Quotes
- "Only a kitty cat. Classic misdirection." -- Mr. Pricklepants.
- "We're gonna stay here all night?" "Dun dun duuuun." -- Rex and Mr. Pricklepants
- "Combat Carl never gives up. Combat Carl finds a way." "Are you 'Combat Carl'?" -- Combat Carl and Jessie
ISFS
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