The toys are back in this fourth sequel as the story picks up a few years after the third one, this time with their new kid Bonnie as she encounters school for the first time. Scared and all alone, Bonnie “makes” a new friend as “Forky” comes to life, but now its up to the rest of the toys to makes sure Forky stays alive as it gives the loveable cowboy, Woody new purpose in life.
At an hour and 40 minute runtime, Toy Story 4 does a good job of bringing audiences up to speed as the first 5 minutes, sets up the entire premise of the movie with one question, What happens when toys go missing?
The audience also is given a blast from the past as Woody’s first kid Andy is shown with the gang as we also see when Bo peep is the first toy to be given away before the gang. While I realize why the writer includes this, it also brings me to my first point of trying to see exactly when on the Toy Story timeline this happens, especially since Bo Peep was seen in Toy Story 2 but not Toy Story 3. That being said, it’s not a big deal especially to an audience that has never seen any of the other predecessors, however a loyal fan might be conflicted.
Like the previous films, the film does reunite voices including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, the late Don Rickles as Mr Potato head and Annie Potts as Bo Peep. Of course, with the old voice talents, the “lost toys” include Keegan Michael Key voices Ducky, Jordan Peele voices Bunny, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, and Bonnie Hunt as Dolly as the new friends aid Woody on what is the biggest adventure of his life, the adventure of learning to let go.
Ultimately Toy Story 4 is a movie for all ages. Kids will enjoy the simple story of Woody and the gang as the creative side of “making” a new friend, will give them the idea of using items meant for the trash as a play thing, rather than a shiny new toy for a change. It’s refreshing to see this brought to the big screen especially as we live in a consumer driven environment.
Similarly adults will get a far deeper story, which could get emotional as Woody is faced with a decision toward the end which might leave audiences surprised yet content to see what happens to their favorite cowboy.
Toy Story 4 came out in theaters, June 21 and is currently playing in one near you. See it before it’s too late.