Now, with the announcement of a fifth addition to the series, it simply feels like there’s nowhere left to go. So, while “Toy Story 4” is certainly no match for any of the first three, it provides what it feels is the true conclusion for the series’ main character, thus making a valid argument for why it deserves to exist. The fourth film in the series confronts feelings of self-doubt and purposelessness in a post-Andy Woody, interestingly challenging the penchant for loyalty central to his character. Just as Woody watches Andy drive away and utters the devastating line, “So long, partner,” it too seemed that Pixar was bidding a difficult goodbye to its most well-known series.Īt the time of the film’s development, it seemed everyone had the same question: Why disturb something that already feels so complete? Well, thankfully, Pixar’s answer was as thoughtful as it could’ve been. Even though the third entry in the series delivers this tough blow, it still manages to match the comedic and narrative highs of the first two films, and ultimately serves as a satisfying send-off to the characters audiences had come to know and love since the original “Toy Story” was released 15 years prior. When “Toy Story 3” was released in theaters in 2010, it was widely hailed as the perfect trilogy-capper for a series that focuses on the lives toys lead and the emotions they exhibit when their owners aren’t around, there was some hefty bittersweetness to the idea of Andy - the toys’ owner in the films - growing up and heading off to college. 8, and the choice to return to the world of “Toy Story” is confusing to say the least. It’s not common for a story to definitively conclude on three separate occasions, but alas, that’s the reality Pixar is headed for with the recently-announced “Toy Story 5.” The next sequel in the animation studio’s flagship series was confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger during a Quarter 1 earnings call on Feb. Otherwise, Toy Story 4 is another great installment in the franchise, and it will be interesting to see if it continues or if this is the final one for real this time.Against all odds, Woody and the gang are back for one last rodeo… again. This being that, even though Woody, Bo, and other characters’ arcs are fantastic, characters like Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and many more of Woody’s friends feel a bit underdeveloped and underused. However, this also ties into the one issue I have with the film. Many of the new characters have great arcs as well, including the film’s villain (if you can even call her that) Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks). ![]() It is with the character development of Woody, though, that the film truly shines, with Woody having what is probably his best arc out of any of the films. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are hilarious as Ducky and Bunny, especially during the plush rush scene, which is more than the trailers make it out to be. The two then work together to rescue Forky and bring him back to Bonnie, before she and her family leave them behind.Īccompanying this story is, once again, the animation and comedy, which are all spot on.Īnimation continues to get better and better every year, and it looks especially stunning in Toy Story 4.Īlong with this, the comedy is also fantastic with new characters Ducky and Bunny (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele), and Duke Caboom (Keeanu Reeves) being particular highlights. Woody and Bo Peep’s relationship is at the center of the story, being a key part to Woody’s character arc. However, this becomes difficult when Forky is separated from them on a family trip and, upon looking for him, Woody is reunited with the long lost Bo Peep (Annie Potts), who has certainly changed a lot since Woody, and the audience, saw her. When his new kid, Bonnie, literally makes a toy out of a spork, which she names Forky (Tony Hale), Woody makes it his mission to protect him to ensure her happiness. Toy Story 4 delivers a strong story with the best animation out of all the films by a wide margin.ĭirected by Josh Cooley, the film follows Woody (Tom Hanks) who is still dealing with the departure of Andy in the previous film pretty heavily. I was wrong, however, because Toy Story 4 is another heart warming installment in the series with great character growth, animation and laughs. Toy Story 3 felt like a perfect sendoff for the franchise so I was concerned that they were just doing another one for a cash grab. ![]() I can honestly not think of a single film series where there have been four fantastic installments in a row, except Toy Story.īefore seeing the most recent of them, I, like many, was concerned about where the story would go.
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