Review: Toy Story 4

Made of plastic and sometimes wood, over the years we’ve made new friends in the cast of Toy Story. From a sheriff with good intentions, to a spaceman that continually tries to understand the world and people around him, we learned and laughed with every adventure. Now enters a new chapter in the toy universe. As finding friends that were lost, and finding our place, is the lesson we should learn.

Once Andy, now Bonnie, the crew finds themselves once again living each day with their child and the bumps, bruises and the eventual changes that come from growing up. Sometimes the favorite toy, sometimes resigned to the closet, Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is still positive and supportive of his chosen family and child. Always a team player, he tries to stay positive and helpful, no matter his rank among Bonnie’s toys.

That is, until he decides to break away to help Bonnie as she tackles her first day of school. While secretly helping her, he gets introduced to Forky (voiced by Tony Hale), a classroom creation that Bonnie put together with imagination and love. Realizing this, Woody designates himself as the protector and teacher of Forky, which ends up being a bigger job than he first imagined.

As a surprise for doing well in school, the family decides to take a road trip. Unfortunately, Woody and Forky soon get separated from the group. On a mission, Woody leads them on as they travel to reunite with everyone at a nearby RV park. On the way, Woody catches a glimpse of something he thought was lost. A friend that was gone, but not forgotten. At odds with other toys and trying to get back to their family, Woody must make some hard decisions that will affect himself and possibly Bonnie.

I’ll admit to almost tearing up a couple times, I mean, it’s a Pixar movie and I’m not made of stone. And they, once again, deliver a fun and heartfelt story. The question is though, was it enough? After reviewing this film and stepping back, I could see the arc of what Toy Story has tried to accomplish. Not only the life of children and their connection to toys, but also the life of these toys and what they give, and maybe, deserve.

I did enjoy myself, as did most of the children around me, but I wouldn’t say this film hit me as hard as the first three films. It has all the hallmarks, but the punch is slightly less. I’m not sure if that’s this particular film or if we’ve run out when it comes to the Toy Story tank of ideas. And while it may not win an Oscar this year, in my opinion, it’s still a good time at the theater. And a fun lesson learned, is always time well spent.