Review of Toy Story 4 (2019) by Rebecca31 — 23 Jun 2019

I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking the exact same thing. Another Toy Story movie!? Toy Story was a trilogy, the story was done and each film was wonderful in it’s own way. Sure I love all three but the first will always hold the top spot. When I heard Toy Story 4 was in the works I was beyond disappointed, here it is, another franchise being milked until it’s dead, another money making racket, greed pulling the strings, be damned with the story and how wrong was I! I never felt Toy Story should have made another sequel and when it started I had endless doubts, I don’t think I can adequately explain how these all melted away in the first 20 minutes. Toy Story 4 is a gem, it’s right there with the others and deserves your time. I was in a cinema full of mostly adults (and the worlds quietest baby) and I think I can speak for almost everyone when I say we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Last time we saw Andy’s toys they were donated to his neighbour Bonnie and with Bonnie starting preschool she’s naturally nervous. She ends up literally making a new friend called “Forky” who is having some real trouble adjusting to the fact that he is now a toy and not just any toy, right now he’s Bonnie’s favourite toy. With Woody desperately trying to help Forky deal with his existential crisis and start embracing life as a toy. It’s funny, enjoyable for all and got the expected moments of sadness that comes with a Pixar movie. They really do love to try their best to reduce us into a blubbering mess at every opportunity. It may not be quite as emotional as Toy Story 3 but it still pulls at the heart strings nonetheless. The visuals get better with every film and if Toy Story 4 doesn’t get the Best Animated Oscar then something is seriously wrong, it makes you sympathize with a talking spork. If that isn’t good film making I don’t know what is.

No, this film didn’t need to be made, but it’s another wonderful addition to the story, it’s funny and I loved the old and new characters. Keanu Reeves as the Evel Knievel style stunt rider Duke Caboom, the return of Bo Peep and as if we needed any more reasons to be creeped out by ventriloquist dummies now we have them. What’s not to love? Do I really have to sell this movie to you? We’re all suckers for a bit of nostalgia and many of us have grown up with Toy Story so what are you waiting for, get yourselves to a cinema and enjoy this heartwarming, gut-wrenching conclusion to the Toy Story franchise. Yes I know we thought the last one was the definite conclusion and it certainly had that feeling but I can’t see another after Toy Story 4. Did you hear me Pixar? Enough now, quit while you’re ahead. Highly recommended to everyone.