Toy Story 4

Pixar has done it again! The release of Toy Story 4 on June 21, 2019, brings a close to the critically acclaimed Toy Story movies. Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Annie Potts, it is rated G. It is a computer-animated film that takes place two years after the events of Toy Story 3.

Right before the toys’ owner Bonnie and her parents go on a road trip, Bonnie makes a new toy, a spork named Forky. Forky doesn’t like the idea of being a toy and escapes from the RV, with Woody following because he feels a personal responsibility to keep him safe for Bonnie as he does with all the toys under his watch. As they try to get back, they have a run in with some bad, creepy toys. After reuniting with Bo Peep after nine years, Woody teams up with her and some of her new friends. Will Woody and Forky get back to Bonnie before it’s too late?

After the emotional ending of Toy Story 3, I was not that excited with the idea of another Toy Story movie. This does manage to be the best in the series, however. With previous installments, I’ve felt each one has been better than the last, so this is fitting. What made this film so great? I’ll tell you.

Pixar has come a long way since the first movie in the series in 1995, also the first movie by the studio, meaning there’s plenty of improvement with the animation. As far as computer animation goes, this is incredible and realistic right down to the cobwebs. Pixar’s attention to detail has always been outstanding. The story is a well-crafted and clever plot. Woody’s determination to make Bonnie happy and make Forky feel accepted show he’s only there to be the leader and not there for himself. We grow to love Forky as the movie goes on and see him begin to understand his role as a toy.

The voice actors that were there before do the same impressive job and the new voice actors are a wonderful addition as well. In a film where we, the audience, consider these toys our friends too, it is comforting to hear the same voices through the whole series. It was nice to see a return from Annie Potts as Bo Peep, who has a much bigger, cooler role than she did in the first two movies. She is a true role model for young girls, displaying a tough, independent, and wise spirit. The most notable newcomer is Tony Hale, who as Forky, shows both heart and humor. Speaking of humor, the movie has lots of it that will get big laughs out of the audience. Two new characters named Ducky and Bunny, voiced by famous comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, bring the biggest humor to the film.

Every previous Toy Story movie has had at least one moment that made the audience very emotional. Since the end of Toy Story 3 was a tearjerker, you don’t think they could top it with this movie. You would be wrong, because the ending of this movie is so much more emotional than the ending of that movie. If you cried then, you’ll cry now.

Overall, this is how the Toy Story movies should end in my opinion. Well made, funny, and emotional with a terrific original story. There are a few minor problems, like how they reversed some of the themes from the previous film, but they’re easily forgettable when you look at the whole movie. It easily tops all three of its predecessors and succeeds not just as the best animated sequel, but also as one of the best animated movies ever. Pixar has never been better than this. Audiences both young and young at heart will enjoy the ride with our old friends from the toybox.