Tom Hanks: "Toy Story"

In my house, we're watching many classic animated films, and some are simply better than others. I have a deep love for a movie whose title is a pun on the term "toy store"; the movie is "Toy Story."

This is basically "Thelma and Louise." Two figures with serious flaws can become their "best selves" when an obstacle arises. Woody, a toy from the Wild West, must accept that he isn't as flashy or interesting as Buzz Lightyear, a new action figure. Buzz has problems, too: He believes that he really is a world-conquering hero, and as troubling "counterpoint" evidence accumulates, his sense of self becomes "slippery." Both stars of this film are asking: "Who am I?"

This would be enough for a slow-paced indie film, but Pixar adds a curveball. The two lead figures are kidnapped by a psychopathic neighborhood child, who wants to roast them over a fire. They must escape--must trust each other--and must find their way back to their original owner.

What is so memorable: Tom Hanks's charisma, the depiction of flight, the sequence about Mrs. Potato Head, the Valley of Maimed Dolls. But let's not forget Randy Newman, who makes his hard work look easy:

Some other folks might be

A little bit smarter than I am.

Bigger and stronger, too.

Maybe....

But none of them will ever love you

The way I do.

It's me and you, boy.

I'm in awe of these clear and straightforward lines. It's no small task.

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