‘Toy Story 4’: Movie Review

Trust Pixar to deliver a heart-warming tale that is enjoyable for children and adults alike. But to add a fourth instalment to the series that started it all, that too when the third movie was considered a near-perfect send-off to the characters we’ve known and loved – it was considered a project way too ambitious even for Pixar. But, despite the seemingly unmatchable standards they set for themselves, Pixar has not only met, but has surpassed expectations. “Toy Story 4” is, above all, a movie that respects the long and wonderful journey viewers have had with the characters.

“Toy Story 4” starts with Bonnie creating a new toy ‘Forky’ on her first day in kindergarten. Though he becomes Bonnie’s favourite toy, Forky (Tony Hale) comes to life and feels confused and out of place. As he tries to escape during a family road trip, Woody (Tom Hanks) attempts to dissuade and bring him back. A chain of events leads Woody to reunite with Bo Beep (Annie Potts), while having to deal with Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), a doll who wants something from him. Add in a bunch of new characters including a Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), plush toys Ducky and Bunny (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele); and of course, the return of old characters including Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and you have the recipe for another perfect “Toy Story” movie.

“Toy Story 4” is, to borrow a line from “Mary Poppins”, practically perfect in every way. A heartfelt story with lessons sprinkled in and loads of laughs for audiences of all ages, excellent voice acting all around, and for a second time delivering a tear-jerking ending that ties a perfect bow on a series that has not seen a weak step, this movie has it all. The movie doesn’t shy away from adult themes like finding a purpose when you have achieved what you’ve wanted in life, sacrificing something for what you believe in, and of course, the importance of friendship and belonging. The return of Bo Beep in particular is handled beautifully, and all the new characters are used so cleverly. The movie has, like its predecessors, a level of maturity that could be too heavy for an animated movie, but it just works so perfectly here.

In case you’re still wondering, “Toy Story 4” is a big recommendation from me – the entire franchise is in a class of its own, and this latest instalment lives up to the legacy.