Review of Toy Story 4 (2019) by Mrmoviebuff — 23 Jun 2019

'Toy Story 4' may not be strictly necessary, but thanks to a very funny script, and some amazing character moments, the movie never loses its imaginative spark. The film once again sees Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and the gang return, along with their new owner, Bonnie, along with her other toys that we met in the previous film.

Bonnie is about to start kindergarten and is feeling anxious, as most children do. Woody, being the caring and sympathetic toy that he is, tries to make things easier for her. Bonnie then decides to gather some thrown away items, mainly a plastic spork, googly eyes and some thick string to make a new friend she refers to as "Forky" (Tony Hale).

Forky, shockingly becomes sentient like the other toys, except that he's aware that this is not his purpose. He repeatedly mentions to Woody that he is trash and belongs in the trash, and does everything he can to get away.

Woody tries to stop him and convinces him that he's the reason Bonnie will be happy and make it through kindergarten. One day, during a trip to the carnival, Woody is convinced that he sees a lamp of an old friend, he ultimately runs into a dolly toy named Gabby (Christina Hendricks), and she seems sinister, and Forky ends up being stuck with her until she gets what she wants.

Woody then runs into Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and she has moved on from being a kids' toy and becoming an independent toy who is free to explore whenever she craves it. Woody tells her about his situation and she offers to help out by introducing him to a friend, a stunt-man cyclist toy named Duke Kaboom (a hilarious Keanu Reeves) who, much like Buzz Lightyear in the original 'Toy Story' (1995), Duke has over-the-top confidence, though he is aware he is a toy.

Meanwhile, Buzz (Tim Allen) tries to find Woody, and is stuck at a carnival game where he meets Ducky (Keegan Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele), and these two were absolutely hilarious. I liked this movie, not as much as the first three, it doesn't have the same emotional punch like Jesse's tragic backstory in 'Toy Story 2' (1999), or the intense drama with the garbage chute in 'Toy Story 3' (2010), but it is the funniest of the franchise.

Director Josh Cooley does an impressive job of making his first animated feature debut. The gang is back, it's great to see them, the new characters; Duke, Ducky and Bunny have become my favorite moments from this film.

If you love Pixar, this is one not to be missed, the comedy alone does warrant this sequels' existence.