Partysaurus Rex

Partysaurus Rex is a vibrant and pulsating animated short film from 2012, a part of the Toy Story Toons series, which follows the exploits of the Toy Story character Rex, voiced by Wallace Shawn. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively, in this delightful and energetic short.

The story focuses on Rex, the loveable but often anxious and inhibited dinosaur from the Toy Story universe, who finds himself thrust into the role of a party-starting catalyst after a series of unexpected events. Tired of being labeled a 'party pooper' by his Toy Story peers, Rex embarks on an adventure that is full of energy, chaos, and playful hilarity that audiences have come to expect from the Toy Story franchise.

The action takes place largely within a bathtub – an unconventional party zone that's soon teeming with bath toys eager to party. The short film's title, Partysaurus Rex, refers to the alter-ego that Rex adopts while in this environment, shifting from his typically nervous personality to a confident, party-loving character.

The animations and special effects are stellar, with the vibrant colors and stunning lighting effects reflecting the wild and bubbly setting in which the action unfolds. The use of water and bubbles provides a visually rich environment and adds a unique element to the story that audiences will not have seen in previous Toy Story installments.

Partysaurus Rex is not merely an extension of the Toy Story universe, however. The short film stands alone as a unique narrative that offers viewers an enjoyable and thrilling viewing experience, while also delivering a meaningful message about embracing change and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. It doesn't shy away from embracing the ludicrous, something that often makes animated shorts so appealing, but also manages to tell an engaging story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Wallace Shawn's voice acting as Rex is as delightful as ever. The nervousness and eagerness he brings to the role of Rex is just as enjoyable here as it has been in the full-length Toy Story films. What’s remarkable about Partysaurus Rex is Shawn’s ability to add a new twist to his character by portraying a ‘party animal’ side of Rex to which the audience had not been introduced before. It’s a fantastic divergence from the Rex viewers have come to know and love, and Shawn executes it with nothing less than perfection.

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen provide an excellent supporting soundtrack to the proceedings with their well-known characters. Even though their roles are complementary in this short film, their presence provides that familiar Toy Story ambiance that perfectly blends with Rex's newfound bravery and flamboyancy.

The music score of Partysaurus Rex, an often-overlooked component in short films, is noteworthy. The pounding bass tracks and uplifting melodies perfectly match the frenetic pace of the on-screen action, enhancing the viewing experience by adding an element of sensory immersion.

Simply put, Partysaurus Rex is a celebration, one filled with all the magic, humor, and heart that Toy Story fans have come to relish. This short film explores a familiar character from a different perspective and puts its unique twist on the series, while still remaining true to the core essence of the Toy Story universe.

Running at a brisk 7 minutes, Partysaurus Rex is an exciting, pulsating makes for a thoroughly entertaining watch that is sure to indulge both Toy Story fans and new audiences alike. Whether children seeking a short distraction, older viewers looking for a burst of nostalgia, or animation fans keen to see what Pixar's accomplished team has created, Partysaurus Rex is an animated short film that is sure to satiate one and all.