Written by: Kevin Berge
Yes, they did make this entirely to retcon their poor usage of Bo Peep in the trilogy (and to make money), and yes, it was the correct decision. (Image Courtesy of: nationalreview.com)
Quick Take: Toy Story 4 may have been conceived as a quick cash grab, but, with an emotional story built on strong characters, this is not just another worthy addition to the Toy Story franchise. It is as good as any movie in the original trilogy, creating perhaps the most consistently excellent franchise in film history.
Toy Story Reviews: Toy Story | Toy Story 2 | Toy Story 3
***This review will not contain spoilers for Toy Story 4 beyond the basic set-up, but it will include story points from all three previous films. If you have not seen the original trilogy... why are you even reading this review? Just go watch them before going further please.***
When I first heard we were getting another Toy Story, I was skeptical. Obviously, Pixar and Disney want to make more money off their best franchise. I assumed it was impossible they could continue a more or less perfect trilogy.
While I would argue Toy Story 3 is the worst of the original trilogy, that's still not saying much given I'd consider every single one a must watch. It's also a powerful emotional climax to the franchise thanks to its ending that satisfyingly ends with Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang moving on from Andy.
Where do you go from there? Luckily, Pixar had an answer. In fact, they had such a great answer that I feel stupid for ever doubting them. Toy Story 4 is about the toys particularly Woody coming to terms with a change in their lives and realizing that they don't all fit in.
The primary impetus for this story is the creation of Forky (Tony Hale), a hastily constructed spork with legs. While Forky doesn't want to be a toy, Bonnie is attached him more than any other toy, so Woody makes it his mission to protect Forky even as the fragile creation deals with his own existential crisis.
This story feels familiar in ways, but there are common themes in each Toy Story film. What makes this film stand out is how maturely it deals with those themes. It gives surprising depth to the decisions the characters make, ultimately making Woody the most well rounded he has ever been.
However, the heart of this film is Bo Peep (Annie Potts). A character that was never given her due and discarded unceremoniously in the third film, she returns emphatically as the driving force of the narrative. She adds a fresh perspective to the simple motivation of the toys to get back to their kid.
The other key character in this story is Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks). Toy Story's villains have always been fascinating, drawn with surprising complexity, but I don't know that any go through quite the arc that Gabby Gabby does. I was surprised how much I was invested in her given the host of familiar characters being left out.
***This review will not contain spoilers for Toy Story 4 beyond the basic set-up, but it will include story points from all three previous films. If you have not seen the original trilogy... why are you even reading this review? Just go watch them before going further please.***
When I first heard we were getting another Toy Story, I was skeptical. Obviously, Pixar and Disney want to make more money off their best franchise. I assumed it was impossible they could continue a more or less perfect trilogy.
While I would argue Toy Story 3 is the worst of the original trilogy, that's still not saying much given I'd consider every single one a must watch. It's also a powerful emotional climax to the franchise thanks to its ending that satisfyingly ends with Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang moving on from Andy.
Where do you go from there? Luckily, Pixar had an answer. In fact, they had such a great answer that I feel stupid for ever doubting them. Toy Story 4 is about the toys particularly Woody coming to terms with a change in their lives and realizing that they don't all fit in.
The primary impetus for this story is the creation of Forky (Tony Hale), a hastily constructed spork with legs. While Forky doesn't want to be a toy, Bonnie is attached him more than any other toy, so Woody makes it his mission to protect Forky even as the fragile creation deals with his own existential crisis.
This story feels familiar in ways, but there are common themes in each Toy Story film. What makes this film stand out is how maturely it deals with those themes. It gives surprising depth to the decisions the characters make, ultimately making Woody the most well rounded he has ever been.
However, the heart of this film is Bo Peep (Annie Potts). A character that was never given her due and discarded unceremoniously in the third film, she returns emphatically as the driving force of the narrative. She adds a fresh perspective to the simple motivation of the toys to get back to their kid.
The other key character in this story is Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks). Toy Story's villains have always been fascinating, drawn with surprising complexity, but I don't know that any go through quite the arc that Gabby Gabby does. I was surprised how much I was invested in her given the host of familiar characters being left out.
What no one really understood was that this was all to set up a Bunny and Ducky spinoff series. (Image Courtesy of: forbes.com)
This does bring me to a small caveat on this fourth installment. This film leaves many key characters high and dry. Toy Story has always had too wide a gallery of characters to highlight, but the limited use of Jessie felt particularly disappointing.
In the place of familiar faces, new toys are introduced that don't ultimately add much. Bunny (Jordan Peele) and Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) have the funniest scene in the entire film, but it feels like they stick around the rest of the time just because of that joke. Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) is a fine support character but fairly forgettable.
I think more about these things upon reflection because I was completely invested in the vision of Josh Cooley (Inside Out). As director and one of the writers, he brings so much heart to this story that I was tearing up often. It hit me harder than Toy Story 3.
On some level, I do think the movie misses out by overextending its reach, but I cannot argue with the results. This is a tale of acceptance and purpose as these characters must each decide what they truly care about. It's a lovely film to present to a younger audience.
I hope this franchise stands the test of time because it feels like it has created an indelible mark that no other franchise would hope to match. It is consistently excellent for four straight films, each building off the others that came before.
I find myself completely satisfied with what I watched, but I also now have this dangerous nagging question in the back of my mind about what could come next. There's genuinely more story to tell, but it may be best that Pixar lets it be.
I don't want to see Toy Story misstep. I don't want to watch the one that finally fails to deliver. This is a truly spectacular accomplishment as a single film and an overall franchise, and it made me feel like a kid watching the first movie all over again.
In the place of familiar faces, new toys are introduced that don't ultimately add much. Bunny (Jordan Peele) and Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) have the funniest scene in the entire film, but it feels like they stick around the rest of the time just because of that joke. Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) is a fine support character but fairly forgettable.
I think more about these things upon reflection because I was completely invested in the vision of Josh Cooley (Inside Out). As director and one of the writers, he brings so much heart to this story that I was tearing up often. It hit me harder than Toy Story 3.
On some level, I do think the movie misses out by overextending its reach, but I cannot argue with the results. This is a tale of acceptance and purpose as these characters must each decide what they truly care about. It's a lovely film to present to a younger audience.
I hope this franchise stands the test of time because it feels like it has created an indelible mark that no other franchise would hope to match. It is consistently excellent for four straight films, each building off the others that came before.
I find myself completely satisfied with what I watched, but I also now have this dangerous nagging question in the back of my mind about what could come next. There's genuinely more story to tell, but it may be best that Pixar lets it be.
I don't want to see Toy Story misstep. I don't want to watch the one that finally fails to deliver. This is a truly spectacular accomplishment as a single film and an overall franchise, and it made me feel like a kid watching the first movie all over again.
