Sunday, November 3, 2019

Toy Story 4: a good family film that tells a similar story


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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