Big Picture Big Sound

Toy Story 4 Review

By Matthew Passantino

It's important to distinguish the line between necessity and final product when talking about franchise sequels. Do we need multiple chapters of beloved movies? Hardly ever. In 1995, a wonderful movie called "Toy Story" was released and in 1999 and 2010, two subsequent sequels captured the magic of the original, defying the odds of sequels never being as good as the original. In 2019, "Toy Story 4" takes us on a trip with some old friends, challenging the separation of good and necessary.

Of course, "Toy Story 4" is good. Pixar, while not as infallible as some would argue, puts such care and attention to detail into their products, even when the storytelling isn't as good as some others. It's easy to forget about the bright colors and crisp animation because, at times, it feels like we are watching real people move across the screen and not animated figures. That's great animation. That same care is brought to their latest outing.

"Toy Story 4" picks up after "Toy Story 3," when Andy has outgrown his toys. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) struggles a bit with being separated from some of the other toys, namely Bo Peep (Annie Potts). Andy's toys find a new home with young Bonnie. Bonnie is nervous about starting kindergarten, so Woody jumps into her backpack to make sure she is okay at school. On the first day, Bonnie constructs a new toy out of garbage and names him Forky (voiced by Tony Hale). As the plot goes on, Woody and Forky get separated from the rest of the toys on a road trip and Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen) must lead the gang back to Woody.

ts4-body.jpg

A lot of the original voice cast is back, including Jesse (voiced by Joan Cusack), Rex (voiced by Wallace Shawn), Hamm (voiced by John Ratzenberger), Slinky Dog (voiced by Blake Clark) and Mr. Potato Head (archived sound voiced by the late Don Rickles). Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key join the cast as Bunny and Ducky, two stuffed animals the other toys meet at a carnival. While the returning voice cast brings comfort and familiarity to the movie, Key and Peele offer their brand of improvisational comedy to this outing. The summer of Keanu Reeves continues as he voices a new toy named Duke Caboom, a Canadian stuntman action figure.

"Toy Story 4" is Woody's story and his reflection upon his own role in this world as a toy. Pixar is known for offering depth to their films, which allows kids to be dazzled and adults to be emotionally involved with the story. They are able to continue that tradition here, but "Toy Story 4" can't shake a nagging cursory feeling. "Toy Story 3" wrapped this franchise up beautifully and made a strong case for sequels not always being diminishing returns. "Toy Story 4" is hardly that; it provides some laughs and a lot of heart but, in the end, it feels like a footnote to the toys' adventures.

What did you think?

Movie title Toy Story 4
Release year 2019
MPAA Rating G
Our rating
Summary While it doesn't have the same magical feeling of its predecessors, the newest outing with our favorite toys is fun and heartfelt.
View all articles by Matthew Passantino
More in Movies
Big News
Newsletter Sign-up
 
Connect with Us