Can you believe it’s been nearly 24 years since the first “Toy Story” movie debuted in theaters?
For me, that’s just about half a lifetime ago.
The 1995 original single-handedly changed the way animated movies were made. It’s hard to imagine a time when computer-animated movies didn’t rule the box office.
“Toy Story 4” sees Pixar giving fans a movie that nods back at the original while posing philosophical questions about the future of our favorite CG toys.
The animation is lovely (with a depth Pixar could only dream of in the 1990s).
When viewers saw the third “Toy Story” outing in 2010, things seemed to be wrapped up in a nice bow. Andy — the toys’ kid since the first movie — was headed off the college at the end of “3.” He gifted his toys to a tike named Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw) in an incredibly touching finale involving our playtime protagonists.
The toys came full circle in that movie — proving that playthings never die, but live on forever as a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Since the “Toy Story” series seems to be universally beloved, it stood to reason that parent company Disney would open up the toy box one more time.
“Toy Story 4” starts off with a flashback (nine years prior) showing how Bo Peep (Annie Potts) disappeared from Andy and his little sister Molly’s toy collection between the second and third installments of the series.
The narrative then shifts to two years after the events of “Toy Story 3.” The toys are ensconced in a new routine with Bonnie. As the movie begins, Bonnie is headed off to kindergarten orientation (we called it “kindergarten roundup” in my day).
But things aren’t idyllic for cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks). He’s lost favor with Bonnie, and finds himself increasingly left behind in the closet when she plays with her toys. She even removes Woody’s sheriff badge and pins it on cowgirl counterpart Jessie (Joan Cusack).
Despite the snubs, Woody is dedicated to the child and her well-being. When Bonnie is reluctant to go to kindergarten orientation, he hides in her backpack so he can watch over her at school.
During orientation, Bonnie crafts together a friend she calls Forky (Tony Hale) — a toy she made from a spork, pipe cleaner, and plastic bubble eyes (items repurposed from a trash can).
I will admit I was worried about the likability of the spork character when I saw the trailers for “Toy Story 4.” That said, it was funny to watch the character — who continually tries to throw himself in the nearest wastebasket — deal with accepting his repurposed identity in the world.
Keeping Forky from jumping over the edge also gives Woody something of a newfound purpose in Bonnie’s world.
Bonnie and her family take an RV trip during the week between orientation and the start of kindergarten.
It is during one of Woody’s attempts to protect Forky when the two fall out of the RV as it is travels down the highway. The pair soon find themselves on an unexpected adventure that takes them to an antique store, a carnival, and a surprise reunion with Bo Peep.
All the while, Woody tries to find a way to get back to the RV, Bonnie, and his fellow toys.
The new characters introduced in “Toy Story 4” are pretty well drawn. Baby doll Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) is one of the better antagonists we’ve seen in the series. At her side are bizarre ventriloquist doll henchmen named “Benson” (my nephew bought one of the Benson toys a few weeks ago).
Many of you will remember the Combat Carl doll featured in 1995’s “Toy Story” (a play on G.I. Joe dolls of the 1960s and 70s). In this movie we learn that Combat Carl has become a team of smaller action figures (something mirroring G.I. Joe’s transformation in the early 1980s).
The carnival stuffed animals voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are enjoyable and add some needed comic relief to the relatively melancholy proceedings.
I also enjoyed the Canadian stuntman motorcycle driver toy Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves).
The movie explores what it means to be a toy and psychological underpinnings of experiencing the love of a child.
“Toy Story 4” is directed by Josh Cooley. This was his first time directing a feature film (he previously directed two animated shorts for Pixar and worked on the screenplay for “Inside Out”).
I had a good time with “Toy Story 4.” The inevitable question people will ask is whether this is as good as the other “Toy Story” films, or if it is the best film in the series.
Some of you will recall from my previous blog posts about the teaser and theatrical trailers for “Toy Story 4” that I was somewhat worried about the movie.
Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by “Toy Story 4.” The emotional beats were both unpredictable and satisfying. When I saw the trailers, I was concerned the story would be over-the-top manipulative, but the writers struck a nice balance.
This movie is definitely Woody’s story. Sadly, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is more of a supporting player in this film.
The “Toy Story” franchise has been consistently solid since its humble beginnings. As a result, it is difficult for me to pick a favorite in the series. Most people I know have differing views on that topic, and I think that’s a testament to the characters and universe John Lasseter created.
I had a really good time watching “Toy Story 4.” I think you’ll enjoy it, too.
P.S. — Be sure to stay through ALL the end credits. There is a clever “easter egg” involving the Pixar title card you won’t want to miss!
