Movie Review

FEATURE COLUMN

Lucas Allen

(Walt Disney Pictures/ Pixar Animation Studios)

It seems like an end of an era. “Toy Story 4” marks a turning point in Pixar’s history as an animation studio with an impressive legacy. With the studio churning out more sequels than originals in the recent decade, it was time for the creators to try to lay the trend to rest for the time being and this would be the film to help

Toy Story 4

break that trend. This time, the direction is provided by Josh Cooley whose previous work with Pixar was as the writer of the Oscar-winning “Inside Out.”

Since the toys are now in the home of 6-year old Bonnie after Andy left for college, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the gang are living a much more comfortable existence within the confines of the little girl’s bedroom. When it comes time for her to enter kindergarten, Woody sneaks into her backpack hoping to help her adjust on the first day. He then witnesses her using random accessories to create her own toy, which she names Forky (Tony Hale). However, the redesigned spork would rather be thrown in the garbage than be a toy. During a family road trip, Forky escapes, leaving Woody to try to get him back with the others.

As the two of them get along, they come across an antiques shop where Woody reunites with Bo Peep (Annie Potts), who’s living a surprisingly good life as a lost toy. But the happiness is cut short by a broken talking doll named Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), who wants Woody’s voice box to replace hers. Meanwhile, Buzz tries to find Woody, only to end up in a carnival game with stuffed animals Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele). Once the main characters are reunited with the addition of toy stunt biker Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), they’ll have to get back to the family RV before it leaves.

Though “Toy Story 3” bookended the trilogy on a high note, the creators were trying to extend the life of the franchise through short films, TV specials, and now this film. For some, the idea of a fourth film seems like an act of desperation for the studio to try to stay relevant. But if you watch it, you’ll start to realize that maybe there are some life signs left in this series that made Pixar successful to begin with. The movie is just as funny, intense, and emotional as what came before.

Having it be both a road trip movie, a horror movie, and a thrill ride through an amusement park is a great way to add something new to the franchise while introducing new characters. Each of them has a purpose that will be achieved by the end of the film especially when they all add to the heartwarming moments the film provides. It does get a little intense involving the dummies looking like the clones of Slappy from Goosebumps. However, both kids and adults will have a lot of fun though you may want to bring the tissues for the film’s conclusion.

Both Hanks and Allen bring their winning chemistry back to life while managing to add depth to their performances when interacting with the new characters. Key & Peele steal their scenes with moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity along with Reeves’ thick Canadian voice and charm highlights all his scenes. Hale becomes the movie’s heart and soul that will have a profound effect on every viewer. As for Hendricks and Potts, they both deliver believability of characters looking to break free.

“Toy Story 4” is not just a great sequel, but a great animated film in a series that has been consistently incredible in every way. It’s hard to say what the future holds for this franchise, but those characters will certainly live on for countless generations. Now let’s see what Pixar have up their sleeves the next time.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: G (for all audiences)

THE CRITIC’S RATING: 4 Stars (Out of Four)

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