When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.
2019 marks the epic conclusion of such beloved franchises “The Avengers,” “Game of Thrones,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and now, “Toy Story.” Disney also has the final Star Wars sequel which will be released in December.
Pixar Studios President Ed Catmull said, as part of the strategy for the studio’s upcoming releases, the studio will plan to release one original film each year, and a sequel every other year. However, in July of 2016, Pixar president Jim Morris revealed to the public that after “Toy Story 4,” there are no plans for further sequels and right now Pixar is only developing original ideas.
Nine years after the release of “Toy Story 3,” Woody, Buzz, and the gang are back in this fourth installment of the Toy Story series. With their previous owner, Andy, now gone to college, the toys are warmly devoted to a new child named Bonnie who appeared in “Toy Story 3.” This time, they go on a road trip to find new meaning, new purpose, and new lifestyles outside of their home.
Actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and all of the remaining cast from “Toy Story 3” return to this sequel with newer additions, including Keanu Reeves (the “John Wick” series, “Speed,” “The Matrix”), Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”), Christina Hendricks (AMC’s “Mad Men”), and the two Key and Peele co-stars, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.
With the story conceived by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and Lee Unkrich, alongside writers Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Valerie LaPointe, and Martin Hynes, the story is well put together throughout to find some significant meanings that become signature twists for the main characters. The story gives warm, positive moments about life between kids and toys, with a future purpose which is the main dynamic for the film’s structure. Not only the story but also the comedy coming from the cast, the scriptwriting from Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom, and the use of photorealistic styling for the animation and background are well done, particularly the design for the Andy character.
Also returning to the film is legendary composer Randy Newman who retooled the music to revive the memories of the series as well as contributing a few new cues to give much more depth. With all the ingredients added together for this recipe, the entire story fits well in three genres: romance, epic, and comedy for the film’s road-trip theme. It really brings a similar texture and style based on road movies such as “Road to…,” some “Family Guy” episodes featuring Brian and Stewie Griffin, “The Wizard of Oz,” Pixar’s “Cars” series, “The Muppet Movie,” and “Ice Age.”
With the directorial debut from Josh Cooley (Pixar’s “Inside Out”), his direction seems to have similar output and taste like the Russo brothers’ direction from “Avengers: Endgame.” Never would have thought how the sequel turned out to be with someone new taking over the mantle as the director, but Cooley outshines all the filmmakers, using his experience from working on “Inside Out” to craft a unique storytelling idea that wows the audience.
Also, what I enjoyed most about “Toy Story 4” is that the film contains numerous references from the previous Pixar films and the “Toy Story” series, including the surprise Tin Toy appearance from the Pixar short “Tin Toy” (1988), directed by John Lasseter and winner of the Best Animated Short Film that same year, as well as providing massive amounts of comedy that ties together with 1990’s “Home Alone,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series and “Dumb and Dumber.” And what is surprising is that a quartet of legendary actors, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner, and Betty White make cameo appearances as well.
Overall, “Toy Story 4” really adds up to the conclusion with the nice touch of music, character, and storytelling, akin to “Avengers: Endgame.” I heavily enjoyed all the movie adventures the filmmakers and animators have crafted into the making of a strong, emotional film that will have audiences in tears. I have to admit, “Toy Story 4” is going on the top of my list, besting “Avengers: Endgame” for the most exciting films to see in 2019. This sequel is a “must see” out of all the June releases and to those who grew up watching the Toy Story films. Just to let you know, “Toy Story 4” is much more emotional than it looks, so I highly recommend bringing tissues with you, just as you did with “Avengers: Endgame.” To add an emotional conclusion to this, “Toy Story 4” marks the final Pixar sequel being produced before shifting their focus on original films. One last thing, this film serves as a memorial tribute to both comedian Don Rickles and Pixar animator Adam Burke, who died from lung cancer in 2018.
In theaters Friday, June 21st
