Toy Story 2 You Got A Friend In Me Wheezy
Toy Story 2 is an animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1999. The movie was a sequel to the original Toy Story, which was released in 1995. Toy Story 2 follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their friends as they try to rescue Woody from a toy collector. The film includes several memorable songs, including "You Got A Friend In Me" and "When She Loved Me." In this article, we will focus on the story behind "You Got A Friend In Me" and its connection to the character Wheezy.
The Origin of "You Got A Friend In Me"
"You Got A Friend In Me" was written and performed by Randy Newman, an American singer-songwriter and composer. The song was originally written for the first Toy Story film and was inspired by Newman's own relationship with his childhood friend, Lenny Waronker. The song became a hit and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1996.
When Pixar decided to make a sequel to Toy Story, they knew they wanted to include "You Got A Friend In Me" again. However, they wanted to give the song a new twist and make it more emotional. They decided to use the character of Wheezy, a broken toy penguin, as the centerpiece of the song.
The Role of Wheezy in "You Got A Friend In Me"
Wheezy was voiced by Joe Ranft, a Pixar animator and writer who passed away in 2005. In the film, Wheezy is a forgotten toy who has been left on a shelf for years. When Woody and Buzz are taken by Al, the toy collector, Wheezy is accidentally knocked off the shelf and falls behind a desk. Woody rescues him, but in the process, Wheezy's squeaker is broken.
Later in the film, Woody and Buzz come up with a plan to rescue Wheezy from Al's apartment. As they make their escape, Woody remembers that Wheezy's squeaker is broken and decides to save him. They manage to fix Wheezy's squeaker, and he sings "You Got A Friend In Me" at the end of the film.
The decision to use Wheezy in the song was a stroke of genius. By giving the song to a broken and forgotten toy, Pixar was able to add a layer of emotional depth to the already beloved tune. When Wheezy sings "You Got A Friend In Me," it is a powerful moment that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The Legacy of "You Got A Friend In Me" and Wheezy
"You Got A Friend In Me" has become an iconic song that is synonymous with the Toy Story franchise. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé and Tom Hanks, who voices Woody in the films.
Wheezy has also become a beloved character in the Toy Story universe. Despite his limited screen time, he has left a lasting impression on audiences. His story is a reminder that even the forgotten toys deserve love and attention.
Conclusion
"You Got A Friend In Me" and Wheezy are two of the most memorable parts of Toy Story 2. The song's connection to the character of Wheezy adds an emotional depth that elevates the entire film. Wheezy's story is a reminder that even the forgotten toys deserve love and attention. The legacy of "You Got A Friend In Me" and Wheezy will continue to live on for generations to come.