Toy Story 4 – adds a whole new meaning to the well-known, phrase “To Infinity and Beyond”… it extends lighthearted humor with an emotional touch that has been a hallmark of the Toy Story franchise. It’s full of blissful animation and delivers delight when it sticks to Pixar/Disney’s way of telling a story to provide a classic, heartfelt, humorous film with the well-known characters, Woody, Buzz Lightyearand the other lovable magical toys. But this one adds a symbiotic reflection of the toys’ past.
It begins when Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles) and the whole gang of recognizable toys have now moved on from their past beloved “kid”, Andy (John Morris), and they are living with their new beloved kid, Bonnie (Madeline McGraw). But takes yet another drastic turn when Bonnie brings home her newest love (toy) and creation from kindergarten, “Forky” (Tony Hale).
Bonnie, an adorable 5 year old girl, who has recently inherited this dynamic team of congenial toys is unaware of Forky’s addiction to escape. He desperately wants to live in a trash can and Woody finds this dilemma a constant challenge when trying to harness this newly created toy from a spork. Woody finds his mission is to keep Bonnie’s new favorite toy from literally heading into the trash. Forky finds it hard to recognize himself as a toy and before they all know it – all of these beloved toys find themselves on a spontaneous journey, in an RV on a road trip with Bonnie and her parents.
Forky in his state of mind, manages to escape out the window of the RV and Woody’s inner voice kicks in when he jumps out after Forky. Woody constantly reminds himself and all of the other toys that he must keep Bonnie happy. In Woody’s hunt to retrieve Forky, Woody ends up in an unexpected reunion with his long-lost close friend, Bo Peep (Annie Potts). This encounter with Bo Peep becomes a major distraction in Woody’s mission to find Forky when they engage in an interesting discussion on the meaning of being “a toy”. Bo Peep’s complexed explanation and thoughts become immediately disrupted when Woody notices Forky in an Antique store. Woody then asks for Bo Peep’s help and she agrees to assist knowing their friendship has been rekindled.
Forky’s perils begin when he is locked up in a cabinet at the Antique store and held against his will by some disgruntled toys who want to get to Woody for his voice box. Woody feels compelled to save Forky and so does the rest of the gang of toys. It’s a quest for all of them and they must figure out how to keep the whole gang together and get back to Bonnie in the RV on this crazy road trip.
Toy Story 4 also adds some fun new and amusing toys: Giggle McDimples (Ally Maki), Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), Gaby Gaby (Christina Hendricks), and not to mention the entertaining stuffed toys from the carnival, Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) with Bunny (Jordan Peele) and the new main toy, Forky (Tony Hale).
The Toy Story franchise has launched another beautifully crafted film in superb animation. The toys live in a life in a world where the toys come to life and their only desire is to be loved by a child. But questions are raised in this film – when it comes to what they want in life as a toy? This film is another humorous action-packed animated adventure for Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their hilarious new toy gang. It is another sentimental journey which contributes to the “Toy Story” Franchise. In the end, some important decisions are made by Woody with the enlightenment and help from Buzz Lightyear. I feel another sequel will be made into the Toy Story trilogy with another deep heartfelt twist at the end.
Release Date: June 21, 2019
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Ally Maki
Studios: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Director: Josh Cooley
Director: Jonas Rivera, Mark Nielsen
Run Time: 100 minutes
Official Social Media Pages:
- Facebook: @PixarToyStory
- Twitter: @toystory
- Instagram: @toystory
IMDb Page: Toy Story 4
Wiki: Toy Story 4
Keely Smith-Wallace| Writing Contributor
B.A | Communications | University of Pittsburgh
Keely Smith-Wallace loves to write, is an avid adventurer and adores compelling stories. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Degree in Communications she landed a job with British Airways and traveled the world. People, places, movies, music, theatre and travel perpetuates her passion to seek out stimulating stories in the world of entertainment and interesting lifestyles. Look for her insightful reviews to find out what’s new, what’s hot and where you may like to trot – for an awesome experience! Instagram: @KeelyUniqueBoutique|
