Toy Story 4 - Review

“I was made to help a child. I don’t remember it being this hard” – a review of Toy Story 4. 

The fourth instalment of the Toy Story franchise released in 2019 and had the big challenge of living up to the films which had come before it whilst also taking the story in a new direction with a new child. Would it capture the same heart as the previous films? I’m so happy to say that it did that and more.

The first thing to note is that the toys are not with Andy anymore, and this is of course bittersweet. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the other toys are now with Bonnie, and are having to learn to settle into their new home, get to know Bonnie’s other toys and learn to accept the changes that have affected their lives.

Bonnie is a creative child and one day, comes home with a toy she’s made herself; Forky has been created using a spork and is utterly baffled to find himself being treated like a toy rather than trash. Woody, remaining a natural leader, takes it upon himself to help Forky learn to accept that he’s a worthwhile toy for Bonnie, and the relationship between Forky and Woody forces Woody to reflect on what his purpose is now he isn’t Andy’s favourite toy anymore.

As with the first three films, Toy Story 4 explores themes surrounding friendship, loneliness, change and belonging. The toys show incredible emotional depth, from new character Gabby Gabby’s search for belonging to Bo Peep being independent and resilient; the film explores the ways that change can be difficult but also brings with it opportunities for growth and new connections. Isn’t that lovely?

We also see new locations, such as the antique store. The store is nostalgic and full of subtle references to the Pixar universe, lovingly added details for eagle eyed fans to spot. The inhabitants of the store are eccentric to say the least, and the store is slightly unsettling, which reflects the anxiety the toys are feeling about their fates.

It would have been really easy for this film to have become a nostalgia fuelled cash grab, but it really does stand as a great sequel to the first three films. The humour is still there, such as Forky repeatedly trying to throw himself away, and there are still some really emotional scenes, especially scenes with Woody and Bo Peep.

I did really enjoy this instalment of the franchise, but I must admit that it’s my least favourite of the four films. That’s not to say that it’s bad, as it’s still a really fun, emotional story which can be enjoyed by both children and adults. I must admit though, whilst his journey to self-acceptance is sweet, I did find Forky a little annoying, and I would have liked to have seen more screen time for the likes of Buzz, Rex and Jessie. That being said, this is still a great offering from Pixar, and a lovely addition to the Toy Story franchise.

With beautiful animation, memorable characters both old and new, satire and heartfelt moments, Toy Story 4 is a film that really trusts audiences with complicated themes. It would have been easy to copy the formula of previous films, but instead here Pixar took a risk, and it really paid off, expanding the Toy Story universe and exploring what it means to be a friend. Poignant, funny and exciting, Toy Story 4 is a brilliant addition to the franchise, and with Toy Story 5 set to be released next year, I’m excited to see where Pixar takes it from here.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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