When Walt Disney Pictures released the movie “Toy Story” in 1995, it instantly became a hit. It became one of the highest grossing films in its opening weekend. The animated film subsequently earned $191 million in North America and $360 million worldwide. Toy Story’s success lies in its critically acclaimed story and script. It was also the first film to use solely computer-generated imagery (CGI) throughout the film. A high-grossing movie will naturally earn more on top of movie ticket sales. From DVD release, to merchandise, video games and of course toys. Many toys. And Toy Story has them all; action figures, dolls and toy figurines to name a few.
Some would say that Woody, an old-fashioned cowboy doll, is the heart of the film. Actor Tom Hanks did a great job voicing this character in the movie. Woody is inspired by the movie executive producer’s favorite toy, a talking doll that pulls a stinger. By the way, some would also argue that Woody is not a “doll” but rather an early prototype of an action figure. Certainly he is not a toy figure. But what’s not in doubt is that Woody is the alpha toy in Andy’s room. He has his own place in the child’s bed. He is undoubtedly Andy’s favorite. That is, until the appearance of Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure who talks to infinity and beyond.
Buzz, voiced by the talented actor Tim Allen, is the newest toy in Andy’s collection. But the thing is, Buzz Lightyear didn’t know that he’s an action figure. This is the scenario that constantly causes friction between Woody and Buzz. Woody kept telling Buzz that he’s not a real space ranger but a toy, a toy! But what Woody really hates is the fact that Andy seems to like Buzz more. He always plays with him and even gave Woody’s place in bed to Buzz. If Buzz isn’t an action figure, say a plastic toy soldier or even a toy figure, Woody probably would have slept better in the bed part of him.
Bo Peep, on the other hand, is a porcelain shepherdess toy figurine. The Toy Story writers are said to be inspired by the Little Bo-Peep nursery rhyme. Andy’s little sister Molly originally owns Bo Peep (she’s an ornament for Molly’s nightlight), but Andy also likes to play with this adorable toy figure. Bo Peep, whenever Andy is playing, is usually the damsel in distress that Woody always rescues. It’s also why when these toys come to life when Andy isn’t around, it’s not surprising to discover that Bo Peep has a thing for Woody’s savior of him. Romantic girls watching the movie can certainly relate to it instantly.
Kids of all ages, including dads, can relate to the Toy Story movie because we all have a toy or two once. Kids today would probably have the ultimate action figure. Their dads probably would have had a toy like Woody, while their moms or sisters probably played with a toy figure like Bo Peep. Surely all of us can relate to Andy, the human boy in the movie who owns all these toys. We may not have as many toys as Andy, but all of us at one time or another have their favorite toy to play with.