We’re going through the AFI Top 100.  Today’s movie is #99, Toy Story.

This film bears the honor of being the first feature-length computer animated film.  It also kick-started the cultural phenomenon that is PIXAR.

Re-watching Toy Story, I was struck by how much emotion I was feeling.  The moment that got me was when Woody finally comes to grips with why he hates Buzz so much by admitting that Buzz is “too cool” and asking, “Why would Andy want to play with me when he’s got you?”  It’s dealing with his feelings of inferiority.  And I guarantee that John Lasseter and some of the other writers had the same feelings at some point in their lives.

Recently, I heard Coleman Luck, a TV writer and show-runner, speaking about his life in the entertainment industry.  He may have been quoting someone else when he said this, but I’ll credit him unless I find out differently.

You aren’t finished with your script until you are a little bit embarrassed about what it reveals about yourself.

I think great screenplays do just this.  They reveal a bit about their creator.  And because there is truth in there, others connect.

I certainly connected with Toy Story, and for a long time, I didn’t know why.  Now I know.  I’ve felt like Woody.  Heck, in Hollywood, it’s easy to feel like Woody compared to so many awesome Buzz Lightyears in this industry.

Pretty serious for a post about Toy Story, huh?  I love pointing out depth and truth in movies that some would classify as merely a popcorn film.  Take that, FILM SCHOOL SNOBS!

What did you see in Toy Story that you’ve never seen before?