Movie Review: Toy Story 4 (2019)

Length: 1Hr 40

Rating: U

Release: 21.6.2019

About: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody’s slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Peep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they’re worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy.

First Thoughts

I wasn’t expecting another outing from the Pixar flagship franchise. I’d said my goodbye 9 years ago. I took my boyfriend to the newly opened excuse for IMAX in Liverpool and made up special snack bags. It was a fitting final to a trilogy, even if it would never be my favourite or goto watch over the next decade.

Then came the trailer and all my wishes came true; Bo Peep was back on the role call. I couldn’t wait. I was so excited and there was no way I wouldn’t be seeing it in the cinema.

The Good

• The plot feels familiar but with a fresh angle, so you’ll forgive it for hinging the plot on yet another rescue mission.
• Having Woody reunited with Bo is awesome because she really becomes the focus in this film. She gives us a take on the lost toy that I’m, as an adult, grateful for. It is what makes this film as good as it is and makes it acceptable to add another instalment.
• Keanu Reeves is a perfect, funny addition. His Evel Knievel homage toy with Canadian spirit is a joy to watch and I could have happily had even more of Keanu’s can do attitude.
• The quality of the animation is incredible. Each Toy Story does bring with it the best skills and technology to the screen, but this was lightyears (sorry) ahead of the other films. Fully immersive and breathtaking from start to finish.

The Bad

Many of the fan favourites are given little to do and I really could have done with more of them. Instead, the film does focus on Forky, Bonnie’s self-made toy who faces an identity crisis and the ‘Lost Toys’ of a town the RV finds itself in. It’s great, but I can’t help but feel a little short changed.

The Ugly

Oh I ugly cried like you wouldn’t believe and I can’t really talk about it without ruining the plot. All I will say is that it will truly sucker punch you in the feels.

Thankfully there were few people in the screening I went to. THIS was the ending the franchise needed. It’s just… perfect, for me.

Final Thoughts

For me, it’s better than the third. However I’m worried this is going to kick start a new trilogy and I’m not sure how that would work or if I can invest.