I responded to the news that Toy Story 4 was being released with indifference. It wasn’t because I thought it would be bad or lackluster or anything. In actuality, I figured there was a great chance it would be the type of movie that would entertain most. I don’t know. Maybe it was just because the growing number of unnecessary sequels is becoming routine?
The third sequel in the Toy Story franchise sees Woody (Tom Hanks) being completely comfortable in his current position. Even as things shift around him, he knows his worth as his eyes remain set on taking care of the kid he belongs to. In this case, it’s Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw), and she has a new toy named Forky (Tony Hale) that’s close to her heart. In order to keep that bond strong, Woody will do everything possible to keep the new connection constant and steady even if it means putting himself at risk.
I think the issue here is that these sequels make Hollywood seem a little lazy in the eyes of some and just further proves that the dudes who make the decisions in that town have run out of ideas in the eyes of others. People have been saying both of those things for years now, so those opinions can’t be considered new to anybody.
Even though no one was asking for Toy Story 4, Pixar releasing it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. It’s also a pretty good idea based on what it is and the direction that cinema has gone over the years. It was already a widely beloved property that most have enjoyed for over two decades, so why not get it made? After all, it presents much less of a risk than creating something from scratch.
Judging from what I saw, Toy Story 4 will most likely leave fans satisfied. Some folks will probably love it, while people like me will simply see it as a solid movie overall. There’s nothing here that really jumps out at you and nothing that makes it all that special. It’s just here and maybe didn’t even need to exist if we’re being completely honest.
It’s because of this that I can only say it’s definitely worth watching if you love the characters and want to see them going on a new adventure. Other than that, it serves its overall purpose while not being all that memorable for the most part. However, it’s the kind of movie that won’t get too many unfavorable reactions from the audience or from critics. It simply doesn’t have many negative attributes to speak of.
What helps this movie is the introduction of some of the newer characters that add to all that’s been built before it. When talking about sequels, that’s important since people who have strong connections to the original stuff usually want some of the same to go with the latest additions. That’s essentially what happens here even though there isn’t as much Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) as you might expect.
As far as newer toys to play with, there are these ventriloquist dolls that will likely have a pretty significant impact on your viewing experience. While Toy Story 4 can still be classified as a movie for kids, these guys may affect children (and maybe some adults) who watch it. That’s mostly because they have the potential to give kids nightmares.
This is mostly based on their movements and actions. When they first show up on screen, they might freak you out a little, but their appearances ramp things up as things move forward. If you feel that you or your young ones can handle it, this shouldn’t affect you too much. It might even add to the experience even if you end up a little bit shaken by them.
If this is the end of the Toy Story run, it leaves on a positive note. I’m sure they can find more reasons to keep making them if they choose to, so we’ll see what happens in the future. Personally, I don’t feel as if it’s anything special, but I’m sure plenty of people will have a greater level of appreciation for it than I do. The worst thing that can happen if you see it is that you may get freaked out by the ventriloquist dummies. For a movie with no reason to exist, that’s not bad.
Rating: G
Director: Josh Cooley
Cast:
Tom Hanks
Tim Allen
Annie Potts
Tony Hale
Christina Hendricks
Keegan-Michael Key
Madeleine McGraw
Jordan Peele
Joan Cusack
Keanu Reeves
Jay Hernandez
Bonnie Hunt
Wallace Shawn
John Ratzenberger
Blake Clark
Don Rickles
Estelle Harris
Film Length: 100 minutes
Release Date: June 21st, 2019
Distributor: Disney Pixar
