Toy Story 2 | What to Watch

Another magical animation from Pixar/ 5/5 stars

This first sequel brings back cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and spaceman Buzz (Tim Allen) – and it's a joy from start to finish.

The insightful and inspired plot kicks off when owner Andy leaves Woody on his bedroom shelf with a damaged arm, but he accidentally ends up being sold to a greedy toy collector who is eager to ship him abroad.

While Woody gets to know his fellow Wild West pals Stinky Pete (Kelsey Grammer), cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Bullseye the horse, Buzz (Tim Allen) and pals ride to the rescue.

Pixar's dazzling computer animation and the zippy pace will keep children entranced, while adults will be amused by the sophisticated humour and numerous clever in-jokes. There are some outstanding sequences, notably when Buzz and pals cross a busy road to break into a toy store, and the climax, set in an airport, is superb.

A perfect film for anyone who's ever had a favourite toy.

Toy Story 4 is in cinemas now.

A film critic for over 25 years, Jason admits the job can occasionally be glamorous – sitting on a film festival jury in Portugal; hanging out with Baz Luhrmann at the Chateau Marmont; chatting with Sigourney Weaver about The Archers – but he mostly spends his time in darkened rooms watching films. He’s also written theatre and opera reviews, two guide books on Rome, and competed in a race for Yachting World, whose great wheeze it was to send a seasick film critic to write about his time on the ocean waves. But Jason is happiest on dry land with a classic screwball comedy or Hitchcock thriller.