Review: Toy Story 4

It's rare when a movie sequel is as good or better than the original. And if there is a third installment, it is usually just the movie studio trying to get the last few dollars for fans of the original. However, there seems to be an exception to the rule - Toy Story. The scripts for part 2 and part 3 were fresh, and the stories were entertaining. And even though we already got to know the main characters by the end of the first movie, I somehow even felt more for the characters instead of getting bored of them.

After watching Toy Story 3, I thought this was a great ending to the franchise. Woody, Buzz, and the gang was there for Andy from his childhood to him going to college. And now that Andy has outgrown them, they start a whole new life with a new kid, Bonnie, at the end of the movie. The story had gone full circle. It was perfect. Therefore, when I heard the announcement of Toy Story 4, I was suprised. So as soon as the first trailer came out, I immediately tracked it down. Unfortunately, it didn't tell me anything. All it showed was the gang holding hands with a spork with eyes. "What the heck did that mean?" I wondered. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that the script was weak, and it was another case of the movie studio doing a cash grab. Boy, was I wrong.

Toy Story 4 picks up where Toy Story 3 left off, and it's now time for Bonnie to start kindergarten. Like with many kids, this is a traumatic experience for Bonnie. To cope, she literaly makes a new friend during arts and crafts. And by doing so, she creates a new toy, Forky. (The name comes from the fact that he was made from a spork.) And now that Forky is a toy, he comes to life. However, unlike traditional toys, he doesn't know what his purpose is. So Woody has to educate Forky and make sure he is there for Bonnie. Along the way, the gang makes new friends as well as reuniting with one that I am very happy to see return. (HINT: I was sad when she was written off of Toy Story 2.)

Toy Story 4's storyline isn't as elaborate as those of its predecessors. Yet, it doesn't feel boring or slow. That's because what it lacks in plot points, it more than makes up for in character development. That's right. Even though we have seen the same characters in three feature films already, we still get to see one of the major characters evolve. Plus, like all the other Toy Story movies, this one gives the audience plenty of laughs, not to mention emotional moments. I am not ashamed to admit it. There were scenes that made my eyes "water". You wouldn't expect that from an animated movie about toys. But somehow, the Toy Story writers just know how to tug on our heart strings.

One of the more interesting parts of Toy Story 4 is that the audience is introduced to the concept of lost toys. Basically, we find out that toys who don't have an owner (i.e., lost toys) can live fulfilling lives, too. In other words, there are toys out there that have found other passions besides belonging to a kid. Of course, they still have the follow the main rule of pretending to be inanimate objects in front of humans. But other than that, they can live life for themselves.

Another interesting aspects of the movie is that there is no real "bad guy" per se. In the original Toy Story, there was Sid, the psychopathic next door neighbor who likes to blow up toys. In Toy Story 2, it was Stinky Pete who essentially kidnapped Woody for his own selfish reasons. In Toy Story 3, Lotso was a tyrant who eliminated anyone who threatened his authority. But with Toy Story 4, there is no obvious villain in the plot. Some might consider Gabby Gabby to fit that role, but she never really had any premeditated evil intentions. She simply wanted Woody's voice box so that she can get the attention of a little girl. Granted that the intent may have been selfish, but she never mistreated any one. And by the end of the movie, most of the audience was rooting for her. Therefore, I wouldn't really classify Gabby Gabby as the villain. Yet, even without a traditional wrongdoer, Toy Story 4 was able to tell a capturing story with no lulls in the plot.

Given that Toy Story 4 was the fourth installment in the Toy Story franchise, my expectations were limited. After all, how many good stories can one come up with using the same characters and the same premise. However, I am very happy to report that I was wrong. Toy Story 4 was as funny, entertaining, and emotionally touching as the first three. And in my opinion, the ending of this latest chapter is a perfect ending to the whole Toy Story story. But then again, I said the same thing about Toy Story 3, and Toy Story 4 made me east my words. So who knows. Maybe Disney will surprise me again with a Toy Story 5. And if there is indeed a part 5, I won't be as skeptical this time before watching it.