9 years since the Toy Story trilogy so perfectly concluded its arc, a fourth in the franchise arrives with plenty of skepticism about it – with sequels so incessant and ubiquitous nowadays, it’s difficult to really feel much weight and excitement for them. With this one especially: what more can be done with the story?
It’s the question everyone has on their minds; those original three films are a rare Hollywood gem – a trilogy where every film lands so masterfully. Toy Story remains a pivotal component of my life, as it does for many – a large part of why I fell in love with films and storytelling in the first place too. Within the opening minutes of the fourth, all my trepidation faded away as Pixar and first-time feature director Josh Cooley transported me right back into the world as if we’d never left. We pick up around a year or so after Toy Story 3 ended; Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the gang now belong to Bonnie who, during her first day at kindergarten, makes a new toy – quite literally: taking a Spork, some pipe cleaners and goggly eyes – Forky (Tony Hale). He becomes the most important thing to Bonnie but, when he goes AWOL during a road trip, Woody must rescue him and finds assistance from an old acquaintance along the way.
After briefly hitting some familiar strides to reintroduce the characters and get us back into the swing of things, it quickly becomes apparent that Toy Story 4 is on a different wavelength from its predecessors. Not only is the cutting-edge animation strides above where it was in 2010 – with attention to detail so precise that it’s hard to believe some scenes aren’t photo-realistic – but the screenplay is aware the audience has aged yet again. Thematically, it feels in a league of its own; friendship and imagination are always prevalent ideas in these films but this film also looks at parenthood and responsibility through Woody’s care-taking of Forky and love with the former’s relationship with returning member Bo Peep (Annie Potts). It’s also the most energetic of the series thus far, with the narrative playing out at such a snappy pace – part-romcom; quasi-road-trip movie; tinges of horror and even somewhat a weird mind-trip. The screenplay is overstuffed with genres, subplots and characters so it’s a testament to newcomer Cooley’s craft for being able to juggle it all effortlessly and keep the film feeling cohesive and fresh whilst also retaining the spirit of its predecessors. The tonal ebb and flow is seamless, walking the tightrope of comedy and emotion beautifully, and hitting every beat so well. If you thought Toy Story 3 was emotional, get ready for this one.
Related: Toy Story 4 trailer
Like its counterparts, Toy Story 4 takes elements we’ve already seen throughout the franchise and finds ways to reinvigorate them and keep them feeling new; it’s the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. One particular highlight is how the film utilises its antagonist – Gabby Gabby (Chirstina Hendricks) – and her army of ventriloquist dolls. It’s so wicked yet unexpected. As far as new faces go, there’s an abundance of them – from Ducky (Keegan Michael-Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele) to Keanu Reeves’ Duke Caboom – and they’re are all terrific; some older characters – the likes of Jessie, the Potato Heads etc – are sidelined but we never really feel their absence because the film chooses to hone in on a couple of particular arcs and, in doing so, it’s able to develop and resolve them with such emotional punch that they take up all our attention.
Toy Story 4 somehow manages to bring even more closure to the franchise thus far whilst also building upon everything that came before; it’s a beautiful continuation of one of the greatest franchises ever made that earns its place amongst the pantheon of Pixar’s best films. It’s hilarious (easily the funniest of the series), exciting and packs just as much of an emotional wallop as its predecessors. It has more wisdom and heart for its audience and the pure, innovative magic we’ve come to know and love from these films. In short: it’s a Toy Story film. It’s crafted with the passion, thought and meticulous care that only a Toy Story film can be filled with. Toy Story 4 is all of that and then some. It’s every bit as awe-inspired and necessary as its predecessors and continues to show just why this franchise is one of the greats.
Toy Story 4 is now on general release.
