Toy Story 4 is directed by Josh Cooley and stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.
Animation/Comedy/Drama/Adventure. Released 2019.
No. But it still ranks among the best Pixar films ever, one of the funniest and greatest films of the year, and one of the most hopeful and romantic conclusions to a character. Many argue that the Toy Story franchise, at its core, is about the relationship between Woody and Buzz, but I disagree. This is Woody's story, much like the Infinity Saga is Tony Stark's story, with equally compelling arcs, and equally compelling performances. As an audience member, Tom Hanks' love for Woody is abundantly clear which does nothing but elevate the emotional attachment we have to the character, and it is beautiful to behold. One thing I think is so special about Toy Story is that, between 2, 3, and 4, the films are released around every 10 years, touching three generations and still having the same profound effect. I might just mention that everyone in my screening was my age or older, similar to Incredibles 2; at one point the funniest time I've had as part of a cinema audience.
But not anymore. Toy Story 4 will have you in stitches for the entirety of the runtime, mostly thanks to the wonderful new characters: Forky, Bunny and Ducky, Giggle McDimples and Duke Caboom, my favourite being Giggle McDimples, brilliantly voiced by Ally Maki. The new voice cast all do a remarkable job; I really hope we get to see a few shorts about Bunny and Ducky, and I'm sure Key and Peele would be up for it - its almost unfathomable that the voice of Bunny is the director of Us. In the marketing, there was a strong emphasis on Tony Hale's Forky, and I was somewhat concerned that the conclusion to this franchise would be the relationship between Woody and this brand new character, but what is very powerful about Forky is how he reflects upon Woody - recognising that he is Bonnie's current favourite toy and will do whatever he can to make sure Forky never leaves Bonnie; a very clever way to eccentuate Woody's development, and a nod to the jealousy Woody felt in the first film when Buzz Lightyear was Andy's favourite toy.
As I said, this film isn't entirely necessary, but again, it is emotionally satisfying, but with all of the complex plots and inter-twining storylines of the likes of the MCU (which is in no way a bad thing), it is very refreshing to see a simple, concise and poignant story that will have your complete attention from the first frame until the last, and I am eternally thankful to Pixar (and Disney as a whole) for producing content that is accessible to anyone and, quite effortlessly, so much fun.
The natural question to ask now is, 'Is Toy Story 5 within the realm of possibility?' Well, nothing is impossible, but, much like Toy Story 3, I do think that it should be left alone going forward, and for Pixar to just allow its legacy and impact to keep it alive. The Toy Story franchise (as well as The Lion King) is the benchmark example of what can be done with animation, and that legacy, from now on, will never be tainted.
A
I think we can all agree that there were many people questioning the actual existence of this film, thanks to the most perfect trilogy finale that was 2010's Toy Story 3, one of the greatest animated films to ever be made, if not the greatest. So, is Toy Story 4 completely necessary?
No. But it still ranks among the best Pixar films ever, one of the funniest and greatest films of the year, and one of the most hopeful and romantic conclusions to a character. Many argue that the Toy Story franchise, at its core, is about the relationship between Woody and Buzz, but I disagree. This is Woody's story, much like the Infinity Saga is Tony Stark's story, with equally compelling arcs, and equally compelling performances. As an audience member, Tom Hanks' love for Woody is abundantly clear which does nothing but elevate the emotional attachment we have to the character, and it is beautiful to behold. One thing I think is so special about Toy Story is that, between 2, 3, and 4, the films are released around every 10 years, touching three generations and still having the same profound effect. I might just mention that everyone in my screening was my age or older, similar to Incredibles 2; at one point the funniest time I've had as part of a cinema audience.
But not anymore. Toy Story 4 will have you in stitches for the entirety of the runtime, mostly thanks to the wonderful new characters: Forky, Bunny and Ducky, Giggle McDimples and Duke Caboom, my favourite being Giggle McDimples, brilliantly voiced by Ally Maki. The new voice cast all do a remarkable job; I really hope we get to see a few shorts about Bunny and Ducky, and I'm sure Key and Peele would be up for it - its almost unfathomable that the voice of Bunny is the director of Us. In the marketing, there was a strong emphasis on Tony Hale's Forky, and I was somewhat concerned that the conclusion to this franchise would be the relationship between Woody and this brand new character, but what is very powerful about Forky is how he reflects upon Woody - recognising that he is Bonnie's current favourite toy and will do whatever he can to make sure Forky never leaves Bonnie; a very clever way to eccentuate Woody's development, and a nod to the jealousy Woody felt in the first film when Buzz Lightyear was Andy's favourite toy.
As I said, this film isn't entirely necessary, but again, it is emotionally satisfying, but with all of the complex plots and inter-twining storylines of the likes of the MCU (which is in no way a bad thing), it is very refreshing to see a simple, concise and poignant story that will have your complete attention from the first frame until the last, and I am eternally thankful to Pixar (and Disney as a whole) for producing content that is accessible to anyone and, quite effortlessly, so much fun.
The natural question to ask now is, 'Is Toy Story 5 within the realm of possibility?' Well, nothing is impossible, but, much like Toy Story 3, I do think that it should be left alone going forward, and for Pixar to just allow its legacy and impact to keep it alive. The Toy Story franchise (as well as The Lion King) is the benchmark example of what can be done with animation, and that legacy, from now on, will never be tainted.
A
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