Toy Story 4 Is A Totally Unnecessary Sequel that Earns Its Rightful Place In The Series

      Was anyone really asking for a Toy Story 4? The last time audiences saw these characters on the big screen nearly ten years ago, the ending to the third film felt like a genuinely satisfying finish to the franchise as audiences watched the gangs former owner Andy hand his unique collection of toys off to their owner named Bonnie. Watching Andy bid the toys farewell as he drove away and seeing Woody saying goodbye to his former owner, the door to the franchise as a whole was properly closed making for perhaps the most beautiful and consistent animated trilogy of all time. The book was essentially shut on the Toy Story universe, which made the news of a fourth film both confusing and frustrating for fans as the series essentially had the perfect ending with no one wanting to see it potentially become ruined with what appeared to be an obvious attempt at a cash grab. As far as making sequels go, Pixar's track record for the most part has been successful with their only true misfire being Cars 2 (Which they made up for nicely with Cars 3), giving fans confidence along with hope that they could find a way to make a worthy installment to what's already a perfect trilogy while making it relevant to the rest of the franchises narrative without feeling pointless. Now that Toy Story 4 has been released, it can be said with absolute assurance that the fourth installment in the iconic series is not only as good as the other films, but feels important to the narrative of the story while carrying emotional weight to it.

      The plot for Toy Story 4 takes place several years after the events of Toy Story 3 with Woody, Buzz, and the whole crew going on a road trip with their new owner Bonnie, a little girl in Kindergarten who creates a new toy called Forky. During the trip, Forky goes missing prompting Woody to find him which leads to an unexpected reunion with Woody's old friend and former property of Andy's named Bo Peep. While the two reconnect while searching for Forky, revelations and life-changing decisions come into realization as the two realize how big the world can be for a toy. Choosing the story for Toy Story 4 was always going to be tricky as Pixar had to make the case for continuing the series past the third film without making it feel empty and unnecessary. Choosing to focus on the characters of Woody and Bo Peep was a clever choice as audiences were left wondering what happened to the latter character as she was left absent from Toy Story 3's story. The filmmakers chose to give audiences an explanation of what happened to Bo Peep's character as well as showing how her relationship with Woody ended by solving those two issues with the films heartbreaking opening sequence. The films opening gives audiences the feeling that no time has passed since they last saw these characters on the big screen despite the story jumping back to the past to show what happened to Bo Peep while forwarding to the present with the gang now under Bonnie's household. The story also develops Bonnie's family making them more relatable to the audience as they didn't see much of them in the previous film. Out of all the Toy Story characters returning from the previous film, Woody once again takes the center stage and completes a new arc for his role in the fourth film.

      It wouldn't be a true Toy Story film if it didn't tackle mature and adult themes that the audience can connect with while carrying a message to it. The film carries themes that pertain to family, friendship, loyalty, faith in oneself, teamwork, choosing new paths, old flames rekindling, discovering new purpose, and taking the initiative. Without giving away major spoilers, Toy Story 4 expands on the toys being passed onto a new child while also carrying over some of the themes from the previous films such as abandonment, loneliness, the desire for acceptance, friendship, and loyalty. The message that Toy Story delivered when all was said and done is that regardless of the situation, true friends stick together. Toy Story 4's message places emphasis on the fact that toys can help children to navigate the challenges of life while creating lifelong memories. Director Josh Cooley doesn't try to neglect the themes and story arc established by Toy Story 3 but rather embraces its emotional core and molds the fourth film to be a true continuation of that film. The fourth Toy Story  maintains the fun-spirit and heart of it's predecessors, crafting another adventure for Woody's gang while delivering another poignant message that audiences can connect with regarding finding one's purpose in life as well as navigating the uncertainty as everyone finds themselves searching for their own purpose and trying to understand what each persons individual meaning of life is. The film shows Woody's struggle to remain relevant in Bonnie's life as the audience see's that she doesn't have much use for him other than keeping him in the closet with the other toys, which draws him to feeling the need to look after Forky and make sure he's there for her. The writing of the film is brilliantly done to where it doesn't feel like a forced or tacked on sequel but that it carries purpose and emotional weight to it that keeps the series both fresh and inspiring.

      As far as the voice acting performances go, the entire cast delivers fantastic performances with both Tom Hanks and Tim Allen proving to be perfect choices for their roles. It never feels as if they are bored or tired of playing their parts and bring the same kind of energy and enthusiasm to the roles of Woody and Buzz that's present in the previous films. Annie Potts returning to the series as Bo Peep is a great addition to the cast as Toy Story 4 feels like a continuation of Woody and Bo's story. Potts definitely appears to be having fun returning to the part and for fans of that character, its a real treat to see Peep get the character development and attention she deserves. Tony Hale does a fine job playing Forky, breathing life into a new character that manages to steal the show and is an appealing addition to Woody's gang of toys. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are surprisingly good in their supporting roles as toys Woody comes across in his trip to find Forky. Christina Hendricks does a solid job playing the films antagonist Gabby, making her character to be both creepy yet sympathetic for audiences. Keanu Reeves shines in his first animated role playing daredevil racer Duke Caboom. The returning cast from the previous films such as Wallace Shawn as Rex, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head in a posthumous performance, and Estelle Harris as Mrs. Potato Head. As far as the cast goes, all the actors and actresses deliver fun and energetic performances showing genuine enthusiasm for their roles while making the best of each persons time in the story.

      On a technical note, the films animation is simply breathtaking as the technology is more beautiful to watch on the big screen compared to the first film 24 years prior. Each shot of the film and each character is drawn out and created with a genuine passion and excitement for bringing the story to life. When you think that Pixar can't top themselves in the animation department, they prove the audience wrong as the animation feels real and larger than life. The films editing is quick moving the film at a brisk pace while never feeling like the story is dragging. One doesn't know how Pixar manages to make their Toy Story films feel fresh again but they pulled it off once again, and is sure to leave a smile on the audience face before and after the film. Pixar and the team behind the fourth Toy Story truly enjoy being in the company of these characters and creating their story, even going to great lengths of perfection to make sure the audience once again has a blast with these characters. From the moment the audience see's the main characters again, their gripes about there being a fourth installment in what's essentially a perfect trilogy is easily brushed aside as they become excited and happy to see these faces again.

     In the end, it wasn't a sequel that Toy Story fans were asking for as the story was essentially completed with the third film but Toy Story 4 manages to rise above expectations and justifies its existence within the series. Its not as good of a film as Toy Story 3 as that one was more of an emotional roller coaster ride, but this one flies above Toy Story 2 although you can't beat the first one unless its Toy Story 3. What Toy Story 4 is a celebration of a great animated tale that's nearly 25 years in the making and has remained consistent with each new installment. The film is funny, charming, heartfelt, romantic, emotional, and has something to say about finding ones station in life. The movies end scene though not as powerful as Toy Story 3's will still send tears down fans cheeks as its not only bittersweet but brilliant. One of the things that makes this series stand the test of time is much like the audience watching it, the story and characters have grown with each installment making them invested in the adventures Woody and his team encounter. The new characters are fresh and entertaining to watch even though they tend to overshadow the older ones throughout the film as it feels like they take a backseat to cameos. While that might be understandable given some of the actors who voiced the old characters such as Jim Varney as Slinky and Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head have passed away, it may leave some audiences uncomfortable that the newer faces play more active roles in the story this time.

      Was Toy Story 4 a necessary sequel that fans of the original trilogy needed? No, as good as the film is there's no real justification for a fourth film as the story could've easily been left alone at the third and fans would've been just as happy. However, that doesn't mean that those who love the first three films shouldn't bother watching it, its more than worthy of their time and money as it gives an extension of the franchise that not only makes sense but evolves the characters further despite not being necessary. Toy Story 4 for all the right or wrong reasons it was made, is a richly satisfying film that will please most fans of the series while giving another epic conclusion to the franchise that's honorable and downright touching. For fans who question whether it was worth the effort to make, see the film for yourself. It will surprise you as much as it did this fan.

Final Verdict: SEE IT