Aaron's Thoughts
While I was watching this, I was trying to put my finger on why exactly I have always loved this one so much more than the original.
I think part of it is because the big set pieces are almost all better in this (aside from Pizza Planet in the first film). It also helps that some of the best characters in the franchise (Bullseye & Jessie) are introduced in this one.
But I think the main reason it’s better than the original is how much more it leans into the supporting characters. You meet the whole crew in the first film, but most of the time you are solely with Woody and Buzz. In the second film you get so many more moments with Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm plus the introduction of Jessie, Bullseye, Zurg, and Barbie. Sure Woody and Buzz are still the main characters, but the other members of the gang feel like real characters that you’re invested in, can laugh at, and just simply enjoy spending time with.
Holds up incredibly well all these years later!
