Review Summary: Still some nifty tricks left in this old toy box.
Honestly, who wanted Toy Story 4? The third movie ended things on such a strong note (it earned a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars for Pete's sake). Yet, Pixar seems to have a knack for making good stories, and Andrew Stanton (screenwriter; director of Finding Nemo and WALL-E) apparently had an idea for this movie already set after the third film was made. That's cool and all, but can Pixar actually make a fourquel work?
First let me answer this question, was Toy Story 4 necessary? I'll be honest, the answer is, not really. This is more or less just another adventure with these characters, rather than a direct bookend of what was established in the first three films. However, even if it may not have needed to exist, its' still a whole mess of fun, and Pixar still proves wholeheartedly that they can turn a simple story into a complex and sophisticated movie.
While Woody has always been the centerpoint of the franchise, here he's given even more of the spotlight. And that's for good reason. Tom Hanks once again showcases the levity and gravitas of this character, while showing an even softer side than what we've come to expect out of him. Woody's character journey here is pretty saddening at times, and by the time we reach the twist-filled ending, it still leaves you thinking.
And, let me just say, its nice to have Bo Peep back. Voiced energetically by Annie Potts, she brings vitality to what is otherwise not always an enjoyable ride per se. Buzz is given a handful of scenes, and Tim Allen (Last Man Standing) still proves he can bring this character to life very well. The other returning characters, such as Jessie (Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Ham (John Ratzenberger) and others, are pushed to the side and aren't given much to do. However, in this story's case, it makes sense even though I did wish they had at least a bit more screentime.
Even though returning characters don't have much to do, they did manage to pack the film in with some superb new characters. Forky (with a memorable, unique voice by Tony Hale) is an instant winner, and his character journey is funny and intriguing. Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) starts off a little on the villainous side, but she turns out to be packed with substance. As motorcyclist Duke Kaboom, action star Keanu Reeves proves to be surprisingly pitch-perfect casting. Bo Peep's sidekick, Giggle McDimples (voiced by Ally Maki), is an instantly-lovable energetic character. And despite my reservations about their casting, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele pretty much steal the show as two prize stuffed animals, Ducky and Bunny. They pull off some of the films' best jokes.
The animation is colorful and inviting. Maybe its' not the strongest in scale for a Pixar release, but that's ok. The film keeps the cartoony feel of its predecessors while gently updating (in places) in how far technology has come this decade. There are unique visual touches too, including some Easter eggs that observant fans may catch if they look very closely. Meanwhile, Randy Newman returns to score, and once again does a wonderful job. Besides the obligatory reprise of "You've Got a Friend in Me", Newman contributes two new songs to the film. The fun "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" nicely accompanies one part of the story, while Chris Stapleton lends his vocals to "The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy". Newman won Best Original Song for his work in Toy Story 3, I would not be surprised if one of these gets in contention next year.
The script has its slow moments, with the unraveling plot taking its time to get to different points (particularly in the last third). That doesn't make the ride much less entertaining, but maybe some of the more outlandish problems weren't exactly needed. Yet, it all adds up to a few of the biggest surprises I've seen in a film in quite some time. The ending succeeds in stirring up the emotions as well. There's also some great jokes in the script as well, with some earning genuine laughs (Bo-Peep's skunk-mobile is a personal favorite).
Toy Story 4 has had its share of re-writes and re-purposing over the years (it was originally set to release two years ago, before story problems plagued it), with the first plot being a love story between Woody and Bo Peep. And while that part of the plot is relatively minor now, the final product doesn't seem like its' been held back by production issues. Pixar still shows they know how to craft a story just right, even if its a second, third or fourth installment. And despite the story being packed with somewhat mature themes, there's still plenty of humor and fun for kids to enjoy as well.
This series of films hasn't been my personal favorite of Pixar's library, but I can definitely say that this is certainly not just a worthy addition to the franchise but also to the Pixar canon. Funny, emotionally-compelling and well-written, Toy Story 4 is definitely worth seeing for fans young and old.
My Score: 8.3/10
Content Concerns for Family Viewing....
Rating: G
Recommended age group: Ages 5 and up. (depending on child's sensitivity)
Violence: Characters get gently hit, pushed, and shoved, with no one seeming to be too badly hurt. Woody accidentally yanks part of Bo Peep's arm off (but she turns out to be fine, and quickly fixes herself up). Behind a cat, we see a bottom half of a stuffed animal torn up (we see the resulting fluff, with Ducky and Bunny questioning if that's what they have on the inside). Later, we see the top half of the stuffed animal, relatively OK despite the circumstances. The cat in question eats one toy, before throwing it up later. The animal also rustles a few of the toys around. Several mildly perilous jumps and chases. A few of the talking and moving antique dolls may be creepy and scary for some younger viewers. It's hinted at that someone's voice box is removed (we see the toy being sewn back up). Ducky and Bunny imagine themselves attacking an elderly lady that runs the antique store. In a mid-credits scene, their fantasies amplify to them growing to giant size and having laser eyes destroying the carnival.
Language: No profanities or obscenities. Woody says, "oh chutes and ladders!" at one point.
Adult Content: Nothing beyond longing looks and a couple of hugs.
Drugs/Alcohol: A glass of wine is seen by a bathtub at one point.
Other: In an attempt to buy Woody and others extra time, Jessie and the others sabotage Bonnie and her family's RV. They give the car a flat tire and mess with the brakes, gas and GPS.
In the scene where Bonnie is dropped off at Kindergarten, two women are seen in the background hugging a child at drop-off. It's not addressed and its' very brief, but the implication is that they are a same-sex couple.
