Toy Story 4

Toy story was special because of the bonding between the toys themselves and between them and Andy. Now that they are with Bonnie, you'd expect to get that same feeling. It did not develop. In contrast, she bonded with Forkie and the gang was an excessory.

I personally think that Toy Story 3 was the perfect finale for this movie series (With shorts such as Toy Story That Time Forgot as the colophon) but this was an okay follow-up.

I guess all those fans who had Bo Peep as their favorite character would be more than happy to see her again after her notorious abscence in Toy Story 3.

Overall, it was a pretty decent movie, fun to watch but without the same emotional impact of the third part.

7.5/10.

I'll never forget seeing Toy Story 3 in the IMAX. Especially the ending. That heartwrenching moment when our main character has to grow up and put his childhood behind him is burned in my memory and is a surefire way to make me cry during a movie. It wasn't so much what was happening that made it such an impactful scene, it was what it meant for each of us on a personal level that made it just... work so well. Toy Story 3 was the perfect spot to end the series. The ending of that movie was a perfect bookend to the story.

Toy Story 4, therefore, is the three or four additional chapters tacked onto the end of a long novel that should've been left on the cutting room floor. Take the heart and adventure of the first 3 films and the emotionally wrenching conclusion of the third one, suck all the life out of them and you have Toy Story 4 in a nutshell.

From what I saw, I couldn't pick out any distinct message the film was trying to portray, really. Maybe it's something that requires another viewing or two; I have no idea. But my first impression of this movie is that it's just... pointless. It's fluff. It shows that Disney is fine putting out a story about growing up and leaving your toys in the past only to rush right back to them as soon as its nostalgic enough to turn a decent profit. I guess it worked; it performed well at the box office (and, yes, Disney sold me the BD combo pack) and it apparently got a high rating (likely for the sake that it's a group of animated things that resemble the characters you know and love. They felt like hollow shells of themselves, however; lacking anything of substance.

Ultimately, this movie left me with a sour taste in my mouth. The original trilogy were such perfect pieces of storytelling, each serving its purpose, telling unique stories and developing the characters. This one, if anything, undoes that. It's a presentation of these characters for no other reason than that Disney knows we'll buy it again.

I really hope this is the final instalment in the Toy Story series. Anything beyond this will enter into self-parody. It should've ended on the third one, but it didn't, and now we can only hope that this is the last toy story.

Toy Story 4 takes us back to the beloved universe of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their friends, while introducing a fresh perspective on what it means to find one's purpose and identity. Released a decade after its predecessor, this installment captures the charm and emotional depth that fans have come to expect, while carving out its own unique narrative.

The film begins with Woody grappling with his role in a world where his owner, Bonnie, is no longer a child who plays with him as much. This poignant shift raises questions about purpose and self-worth that are relatable to anyone who has experienced change in their life. When Bonnie creates a new toy named Forky, a spork that believes it's trash, Woody takes it upon himself to help Forky understand his value as a toy.

The heart of Toy Story 4 lies in its exploration of identity and belonging. Woody's journey of self-discovery is beautifully juxtaposed with Forky's comedic confusion and existential crisis. The humor is wonderfully balanced with deeper themes, making the film accessible for children while resonating with adult audiences.

In true Pixar fashion, Toy Story 4 shines with stunning animation and meticulous attention to detail. The visuals are breathtaking, from the vibrant carnival scenes to the serene backyard settings, immersing the audience in a richly created world. Each character is brought to life with distinct personalities, and the new characters, especially the loveable vintage doll Gabby Gabby, add depth to the emotional narrative.

The film also explores the theme of letting go, as Woody faces the reality of moving on from being Bonnie's favorite toy. In a powerful climax that emphasizes the importance of choice and selflessness, audiences are reminded that love can sometimes mean making tough decisions.

While Toy Story 4 may not have the same groundbreaking impact as its predecessors, it beautifully serves as a continuation that honors the legacy of the franchise. It leaves us with profound reflections on what it means to find our place in the world and the relationships that shape us.

As the credits roll, we're reminded that although toys may not be real in the traditional sense, the emotions and connections they represent are genuinely impactful. Toy Story 4 is a thoughtful, heartwarming addition to the series that reaffirms the idea that every ending is, in fact, a new beginning. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the ever-evolving journey of self-discovery.

I liked many things about Toy Story 4, except the fact that it came after Toy Story 3. Toy Story 3 was such a perfect conclusion to the iconic trilogy that this feels like a tacked-on epilogue. I enjoyed the characters, I thought the story had some clever moments, but I just would have preferred it if they would have changed a few minor details and made this movie occur between Toy Story 2 & Toy Story 3.