I consider the Toy Story trilogy to be one of the best trilogies of all time. Practically, each and every Toy Story film is on a consistent level and still holds up to this very day. It’s really rare for a trilogy to have quality films for all three films. Typically, there’s always that one film that just messes it up. That’s why when Toy Story 4 was announced, I was understandably skeptical. How can Pixar create another Toy Story that’s on the same level of quality as the other three films? I mean they couldn’t possibly recreate pure magic four times in a row, could they? It’s impossible, right?
Well, I don’t know how they did it but Toy Story 4 is as good, if not better than the other three Toy Story films. The combination of gut-busting laughter and sweet, tender moments makes this a film that’s perfect for the entire family.
Toy Story 4 follows Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang as they go on a road trip with their new kid, Bonnie. However, the trip isn’t so relaxing as Bonnie’s new toy, Forky, is kidnapped by the antique toy, Gabby Gabby. With help from some new and old friends, Woody and Buzz must save Forky and get him back to Bonnie.
As funny as the other Toy Stories have been, none of them even come close to the type of laughs you’ll get with Toy Story 4. It’s honestly one of the funniest Toy Stories ever. A lot of that has to do with the broad range of humorous styles in the film. From juvenile humor to the farce-style comedy of Key & Peele, there’s something for everyone. Unfortunately, there is a minor downside to this. The jokes are so funny that there will be times where you won’t be able to hear the dialogue because of all of the laughter. Then again, you’ll be laughing along with everyone else and thankfully, you don’t really miss anything important.
But as funny as Toy Story 4 is, the film is also heartwarming as well—as all Toy Stories should be. There is just something about these films that taps into your softer side. It may be because we relate to toys being there for us or the fact that these toys are as human as the humans themselves. Nevertheless, the situations that Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang get into will bring a tear to your eye. In other words, you’re going to shed tears from laughing and from all of the heartwarming moments.
Toy Story 4 also introduces a lot of new and memorable characters. It’s crazy to think about how this franchise continually introduces memorable characters with each film. This time around the standouts is easily Duke Caboom, Ducky, Bunny, and Forky.
Keanu Reeves reverts back to his old comedic self (see: Bill and Ted) with Duke Caboom, Canada’s greatest stuntman. With Duke, Reeves and the filmmakers practically created the greatest Canadian character since Wolverine. In addition, it’s amazing to see Key & Peele’s brand of comedy once again. They play off each other so well and they have one of the best scenes in the film. Lastly, Tony Hale brings so much heart and innocence to Forky. He’s just a character that you’ll absolutely love.
Even the villain, Gabby Gabby, is wonderful as well. As Zangief once famously said in Wreck-It Ralph, “you are bad guy, but this does not mean you are “bad” guy.” Although Gabby Gabby seems like a horrible villain, she is actually a villain that you feel so bad for. So expect to shed a tear or two for her at some point in the film. A lot of that has to do with Christina Hendricks too. She brings such an honest and tender performance to Gabby Gabby that you can’t help but sympathize with her situation.
Sadly, if you’re a fan of the old characters then you might be disappointed in the film. To make room for the new characters, a lot of the old characters are left on the sidelines. The film primarily focuses on the adventures of Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and the new cast of characters.
Then again, Toy Story 4 isn’t about the old characters. The film is strictly about Woody. Although the storyline is simple, it serves its purpose of exposing Woody’s insecurities and issues. Yes, he’s incredibly loyal and heroic but is it strictly to be a hero or is it for his own personal reasons? It sheds a different light on a character that we’ve grown to love for over 20 years.
In those 20 years, we’ve also seen the animated advancements in Pixar’s films. With each Toy Story, the animation gets better and better. Toy Story 4 makes Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang look so realistic. Instead of looking like flat plastic, there’s some depth to the animation now. Also, the environments look so lush and green.
Overall, Toy Story 4 just might be the best Toy Story of them all. Who would’ve thought that with 3 near-perfect films that the 4th film would be the best one of them all? It just goes to show you that Pixar treats Toy Story just a little bit differently. After all, this was their very first film. So if this is the last film in the franchise then it’s nice to see that it went out on top… Again.
So long, partner.
Rating: 5/5 atoms
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