In a week that has seen the release of not one, not two, but three films that deal with child playthings come to life–see ANNABELLE COMES HOME, CHILD’S PLAY, and TOY STORY 4–It’ll probably come as no surprise that Pixar wins the battle with a new chapter in a series that’s closing in on 25 years old. What’s more, it’s a near miracle that TOY STORY 4 works as well as it does despite being completely unnecessary.
TOY STORY 3 was the perfect “riding-off-into-the-sunset” sequel (think of it as the INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE of the franchise) but given the monstrous success of this series, you had to know that Woody (voiced by the great Tom Hanks) and the gang would be back at some point. So, nine years after what really should have been the end, here we are… With a new beginning. Thankfully, though, for part 4, this film works far more effectively than the likes of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
In TOY STORY 4, Woody and friends find themselves serving as the loving playthings to Bonnie following the departure of her older brother, Andy. Ever the selfless toy, Woody devotes himself to the cute youngster even though she barely ever plays with him anymore. Still, he will do absolutely anything to keep her happy, even if it means sacrificing his own potential happiness. Why? Because that’s what toys are for. Of course, adventure ensues after mom and dad take Bonnie on a little family getaway and said adventure finds Woody crossing paths with an old friend, making plenty of new ones, and learning a little more about himself during the process.
TOY STORY 4 is essentially a road trip movie and finds Woody taking a new toy under his wing all in an effort to continue keeping Bonnie content. During this road trip, TOY STORY 4 introduces us to a handful of new characters including a confused but lovable spork called Forky (voiced by Tony Hale), a mischievous pair of stuffed animals (voiced by Key and Peele), a daredevil from Canada (voiced by Keanu Reeves), and an antique doll looking for her place in this world (voiced by Christina Hendricks), all while virtually squandering the majority of the characters we’ve grown to love over the last 25 years, most notably Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen.)
That said, while this entry does struggle to give its many toy characters something substantial to do, it should be noted that it’s all in the interest of a certain cowboy. Translation; Perhaps a better title for this film would have been WOODY’S STORY. After all, this really is about Woody’s arc, and to that end, TOY STORY 4 succeeds by giving this beguiling character a genuine and heartfelt sendoff.
On the road to that sendoff, TOY STORY 4 doesn’t always hit the mark. Some elements, such as a running gag involving a remote control skunk, don’t work while others, including Woody’s and Forky’s detour to a creepy antique shop, are positively wonderful. Equally joyful is Woody’s unshakable bond with Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts) who now lives independently as a lost but free toy.
On a technical level, TOY STORY 4 is a visual marvel. It’s colorful, it’s vibrant, and the character designs are wonderful, living and breathing with the kind of rich detail you’d expect from the magicians at Pixar. And the stunning visuals are all complimented by an affectionate Randy Newman score.
Again, it bears repeating that TOY STORY 3 was a more fulfilling ending but there’s still plenty of humor and wonderful messages to be found at the heart of this picture; Selflessness, moving on, the power of creativity, having a love for one’s self, and of course, family. And there’s plenty of emotion on display, as well. Be it Woody’s final decision in this picture or the true nature of an antique doll’s agenda revealed, TOY STORY 4 really is a moving and touching experience. At it’s worst, it’s the least effective of the franchise. At it’s best, it’s still one of the strongest movies of the summer.
