Toy Story 2

And what a way to come back! This is the third full-length feature to come from the Pixar stable following Toy Story and A Bug's Life, and it doesn't disappoint. From the hilarious opening sequence to the cheeky out-takes that you just have to stay for, this is a rollercoaster of laughs - just what the doctor ordered to blow away those post-exam blues away.

The story starts with the little boy Andy leaving for Cowboy Camp, although due to an unfortunate accident, he has to leave behind a broken Woody. Whilst he is away, his mother organises a yard-sale, and one of Andy's older toys, Wheezy the Penguin, is taken from the room. Woody launches himself into a rescue mission but finds himself needing rescuing as he is kidnapped by Al (Wayne Knight), of Al's Toy Barn. Can Buzz and the gang save Woody?

It transpires that Woody (Hanks) is a rather priceless puppet collectable from a set of figures based on an old television show, and Al wants to sell. In Al's office, Woody meets his 'co-stars': the yodelling cowgirl, Jessie (Cusack); the grumpy prospector, Stinky Pete (Grammer) and his trusty stead, Bullseye. In a rather ironic way, he also gets the chance to see all the merchandise that was available from the show! However, the fun has to come to an end and Woody has to decide between immortality in a museum, or being with Andy.

Whilst this has been going on, Buzz (Allen) has managed to lead the gang on the most hilarious road crossing in the history of cinema to Al's Toy Barn. Their search for Woody leads them to meet some friendly Barbies - to Mr Potato Head's cries of "I'm a married spud!" Buzz finds himself on a journey of self-discovery as he encounters a display of Buzz Lightyears, each as disillusional as he once was and also meets his mortal foe, Emperor Zurg, who leads him to a shattering secret.

Woody decides to take his new-found friends back to Andy, and once reunited with the gang, the toys are on a race to get back before Andy returns from Cowboy Camp.

With Toy Story 2, Pixar have proven themselves masters in their field - coupling amazing state-of-the-art technologies with strong characters and storyline. I can't wait for the next film!

Alan "Big Kid" Chan