Toy Story 4 Review: Animated Finale Heartfelt and Charming
Plot synopsis courtesy of IMDb.com: “When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.”
Directed by: Josh Cooley (Inside Out)
Starring: Tom Hanks (Cast Away), Tim Allen (Toy Story), Annie Potts (Ghostbusters)
Screenplay by: Stephany Folsom, Andrew Stanton (Wall-E)
Toy Story 4 is rated G.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
When the original Toy Story was released in theaters nearly 25 years ago the animated film benefited from a purely original premise, but what made it a true modern classic was the myriad of compelling and realistic characters, all of whom were brought to life in a way that seemed to capture the same childish wonder that seems ever more elusive as one grows older. In Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest, audiences of all ages have found nostalgic manifestations of their favorite memories of childhood, and these films are synonymous with youth for anyone born in the 90’s or 2000’s. We are now nine years removed from the third (and previously presumed final) installment of this iconic franchise. Despite this prolonged hiatus, Toy Story 4 brings the same humor, creative genius and nostalgia as the original brought to the big screen for the first time a quarter of a century ago.
Given the conclusive nature of Toy Story 3, I think it is fair to guess that I was not the only one skeptical about the prospect of another sequel. The arc of the trilogy seemed to have found a satisfying final resting point, and another massive run at the box office was the only reasonable explanation for diving into this world again. Toy Story 4 is sure to bring in hundred of millions of dollars, but the film itself is anything but a cash grab. Woody and the rest of the posse begin the film adjusting to a life as part of Bonnie’s collection, and must grapple with the changing roles they each face in their new home. These sudden changes highlight individual questions of purpose for each character, as well as the broader implications of toys that think and speak for themselves.
The film revolves primarily around Forky (Tony Hale, Arrested Development), a new character created by Bonnie out of a spork, pipe cleaner and googly eyes. Forky was “brought to life” when Bonnie wrote her name across the bottom of his feet, and the rest of her toys try to navigate the confused new toy through the ups and downs of entertaining and comforting an owner. A variety of new characters employs a talented group cast, with excellent performances by Jordan Peele (Get Out), Keegan Michael-Key (Key & Peele), Christina Hendricks, and Keanu Reeves (The Matrix). The obvious chemistry between Key and Peele elevates the film to a hilarious level even as the primary characters are being examined on a deeper level.
Toy Story 4 spends a significant amount of time trying to discover what it means to be a toy, especially one who feels abandoned or unwanted. For the first time we see Woody and Co. as a group of toys privileged enough to have had so much attention paid to them over the years, and see the lonelier side with toys who long to have somebody to belong to. Especially for an animated film about plastic toys, the film takes its characters through dramatic personal journeys, and shows more growth than much of the previous films. In caring for new owners, or moving on from previous ones, there is a balance between loyalty to self and loyalty to others, and the conflict creates a mature and sophisticated message at the heart of this film.
With each minute that passed, Toy Story 4 made it ever more apparent that the story it has to tell is both original and profound. It treats these beloved characters with a palpable care and devotion and does right by each of them by the time it is done. Every bit as delightful and heartfelt as its predecessors, Toy Story 4 is a well-deserved salute to these animated characters we have all become friends with over the years.
Reel Rating: 8/10
Toy Story 4 opens in cinemas June 21.
