Toy Story 4 is a weird send off after Toy Story 3 seemed to be the franchise’s send off. A massively hit film as a novelty a generation ago, the Toy Story franchise has a resonance over several generations that has kept it as a relevant and highly successful franchise. The third film felt like the proper send off the franchise warranted.
Toy Story 4 exists as a proper send off while also being a ruthless cash in at the same time, it seems. And while it doesn’t hit the heights of the franchise’s past, it’s still a pretty damn good film.
Simple premise: Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) and the gang go on a road trip with their new friend Forky, Bonnie’s newest toy. Along the way we experience life with old friends, new ones (including Keanu Reeves) among another film meant to address the nature of childhood, growing up and the time to leave who you were behind and embrace who you are to become.
It’s the thing that makes the films still relevant and brilliant all these years later. They’re remarkably well written and look at the universalities of childhood through the perspective of the toys we play with. It’s fascinating on a philosophical level and Toy Story 4 addresses the prospect of letting go.
The film tackles these concepts well BUT at the same time… did we really need it? Toy Story 4 feels like a cash grab that managed to stick the landing, nothing more. It’s a worthy film, and definitely enjoyable for all age ranges, but the third was such a perfect ending that this can’t quite compare.
A volume of extras are included.
Disney presents Toy Story 4. Directed by Josh Cooley. Written by Stephany Folsom and Andrew Stanton. Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen. Run Time: 100 minutes. Rated G. Released on DVD: 10.8.19
