Toy Story 4 (June 21, 2019)

This film is the fourth, and potentially final, instalment in the Toy Story Franchise (which spans over two decades starting all the way back in 1995 with the original). The film directly follows Toy Story 3, as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their other toy friends have found new appreciation living with Bonnie. They are joined by Forky, a spork that Bonnie has made into a toy and embark on a road trip adventure during which Woody must track down the rouge Forky and reunite him with Bonnie, while also running into an old friend from Andy’s room. The movie grossed $1.073 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing installment of the franchise, the eighth highest-grossing film of 2019, and the fifth highest-grossing animated film of all time during its theatrical run. The animation is absolutely stunning; It is night and say from Toy Story, Pixar’s first film, released in 1995. The reflection of the carnival lights on the glistening plastic faces of the toys is particularly mesmerizing. The plot follows the formula of the others, namely a rescue mission. But with the added twist of teaching Forky what it means to be a toy. Woody is able to be a mentor, the elder statesman of the group of toys, having been around and sentient for many years. I think this film is really the true ending to the franchise and it tells a genuinely interesting story. These movies have always been telling Woody’s story; He was the true protagonist and he was the one who learned a lesson in every film. He grew into a better toy, from selfish to selfless, from insecure to confident, a true leader. The next part of my review includes major spoilers to the ending of the film. Woody makes the heartbreating decision to leave the rest of his friends and become a “Lost Toy.” He was no longer the apple of Bonnie’s eye which fed into this decision. He had to accept that she would be fine without him. He had a new purpose- connecting toys with children who need them. Its what he did best all these years. And he had the help of some great new side characters, Duke Caboom, Ducky and Bunny, who are all hilarious and memorable. I was not so keen Bo Peep and her new strong and independent personality. I wish the movie had shown more of her adventures as a lost toy to give context to her transformation. As it is it feels sudden as when she was part of Andy’s family, she was demurer with a playful side. I feel she was merely added to give the movie a strong female character which is not bad on its own, but she needed to earn her badass attitude. The villain of the film, Gabby Gabby, was refreshing as she turned out to just be misunderstood, a toy waiting for the love a girl who would never give it. It was super sweet when she was given to a lost child at the carnival, finally receiving the love she deserved. Overall, Toy Story 4 is a bittersweet farewell to the established dynamic we had come to know and love, but it also serves as the beginning of a new chapter for Woody and Buzz as their roads diverge; They will forever remain friends even as their destinies are separate.

Final Rating: 8.5/10