Once the annual avalanche of Halloween-themed episodes, specials and movies overtakes TV, you probably don't expect to be using the word "charming" very often. But charming perfectly describes one such entry, "Toy Story of Terror!," on Wednesday night on ABC.
Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang from the "Toy Story" movies find themselves in a Hotel Hell of sorts, thanks to an ill-timed flat tire. Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton), the stuffed hedgehog, takes the opportunity to show off his knowledge of horror movie tropes. (Yes, this is a PG version of the "Scream" conceit.) Soon, the plotlines he refers to begin materializing, as one toy after another disappears mysteriously.
All appears lost, as a nefarious hotelier and the lure of easy eBay money threaten to disperse the friends. It falls to Jessie the cowgirl (Joan Cusack) to try to save the day, but to do it she has to overcome personal demons. Highlights of this sweet, slightly scary tale include the funniest, most refined vomit joke you'll ever see.
Incidentally, "Toy Story of Terror!" makes for an interesting pairing with Sunday's episode of the Travel Channel show "Toy Hunter." In that series, Jordan Hembrough, a collectibles expert, hunts for rare playthings. Sunday's installment is cheekily titled "Toy Haunters," and the sought-after memorabilia includes "Ghostbusters" paraphernalia and a Ouija board.
Plenty more Halloween fare lies ahead. Among the most intriguing examples: Friday's episode of the ABC comedy "The Neighbors," in which Larry tries to merge Halloween and Hanukkah; "Zombie Night," a Syfy movie on Oct. 26 with Daryl Hannah, Anthony Michael Hall and Shirley Jones; and an Investigation Discovery special on Halloween itself called "Bloody Marys," about real female murderers named Mary.
Toy Story of Terror!
ABC, Wednesday night at 8, Eastern and Pacific times; 7, Central time.
Produced by disney channel halloween movies Pixar. Directed by Angus MacLane; Galyn Susman, producer.
WITH: Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), Joan Cusack (Jessie), Carl Weathers (Combat Carl/Combat Carl Jr.), Timothy Dalton (Mr. Pricklepants), Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head), Wallace Shawn (Rex) and Kristen Schaal (Trixie).
Source: Nytimes
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