When Toy Story was released in 1995, it was an
instant hit and launched the Disney Pixar studio into stardom. Their future
films have been major hits with a few misses, overall Pixar could be counted on
for a great movie. However, when Disney Pixar announced that they were
releasing a fourth Toy Story film, I was skeptical. Was a fourth film
necessary? Toy Story 4 was released in theaters on June 21, 2019 to rave
reviews and went on to earn $1.071 billion worldwide. It was released on
Blu-ray, DVD and digital streaming in October 2019. I recently got the
opportunity to watch the movie and while it was a good film, it told the same
tired story.
The film opens 9 years ago, before the events of Toy
Story 3 (2010) with Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts), her sheep and the lamp
she stands on are donated to another family. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is
determined to save her but Bo is refuses to return to the house, telling Woody
she is not Andy’s toy and “it’s time for the next kid.” Woody reluctantly lets
her go. Fast forward to the present day and life with Bonnie. Woody is not
Bonnie’s favorite as she prefers to play with Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack)
and the others. That day is special as Bonnie is starting kindergarten and it
is orientation. Woody thinks a toy should go with her despite hearing from
Bonnie’s dad that toys are not allowed at school. Woody sneaks into her
backpack and watches as she struggles in school. While at school, Bonnie
creates Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) and instantly attached. For the final week
before school officially starts, Bonnie and her parents go on vacation and
while on vacation, Forky gets lost, Woody leaves to rescue him and the other
toys must find a way to get Forky and Woody back before Bonnie realizes they
are gone.
There are three things I liked about the film. First, it was
a great story despite the familiar plot (I’ll get into that last). It had
touching moments and great humor. It had the nostalgia about childhood toys and
dreams while presenting a lesson about letting go and moving on with just
memories to keep. Second, Woody’s place in the ending. I won’t discuss it, but
it was a fitting ending. My husband and I both got misty eyed as it was a great
moment. The ending of this film makes it clear that this is the final film.
Even Tom Hanks in interview has hinted that this is the final film. Third, the
Easter Eggs. You can always count on Pixar putting great Easter Eggs into their
films. Whether it is a shout out to other Pixar films like Finding Nemo
(2003) and Up (2009) or connections to the other Toy Story films.
There is one main thing I didn’t like about this film. The
plot was too familiar. A toy needs to be recused. Toy Story (1995) has
Woody trying to get himself and Buzz back to Andy when his jealous got them
separated from him. Toy Story 2 (1999) had Buzz on a mission to rescue
Woody after he was taken, and they must return before Andy returns home from
camp. Toy Story 3 (2010) has Woody on a mission to rescue the others
when they are mistakenly donated to a day care and he must do so before Andy
leaves for college. Familiar? Very. Any story needs a villain. Something to
fight against. The Toy Story films have evil toys. While the first film,
technically didn’t have an evil toy, Woody was essentially the villain as his
jealousy got him and Buzz into their desperate situation. The second film had
The Prospector who was trying to keep Woody with the collection to the Japanese
museum. The third film had Lotso who was like a mafia crime boss who used
terror to control the weaker toys. The fourth film has Gabby Gabby (voiced by
Christian Hendricks) who had henchmen to do her bidding.
Overall, it was a good film that kids will enjoy. However,
it was just a rehash of previous plots and characters with just enough to make
it look different. Children will enjoy this film as they have enjoyed the other
Toy Story films. However, Pixar, if you are listening, Toy Story 4
needs to be the finale. All good things must come to an end and let Toy
Story 4 be it. At some point, it stops being innovative and starts being
lazy. Keep being innovative with new stories and characters and stop rehashing
old ones.
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