Toy Story 4: Listening to Our Inner Voice
Toy Story first premiered in 1995 and has since been one of the most successful film franchises. It blew audiences away with its unprecedented animation and the friendship between Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and their kid, Andy. Toy Story 4 is reported to be the last film in this adventure-filled journey of Andy's childhood toys. Many people wondered where the journey will go after the emotional Toy Story 3 but Pixar outdid themselves and took the emotion to a new level.
Toy Story 3 ended with Andy giving his toys to Bonnie and him going off to college. This film follows Bonnie as she is just starting kindergarten and she decides to literally make a new friend named Forky (Tony Hale) who to everyone's confusion is a plastic fork that comes to life. Bonnie and her family are about to go on a road trip where she brings Forky and Woody is tasked with making sure Forky stays around to make Bonnie happy. Toy Story 4 follows its predecessors with the continuation of expanding the number of characters to help progress the plot. The new line up includes Keegan-Michael Key as Ducky, Jordan Peele as Bunny, Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby and Keanu Reeves as Duke Kaboom. Each new character is wonderful and has their own moments to give a memorable performance. Hale's Forky does an excellent job of providing a comedic character who is relatable to audiences.
The lead of the film is the familiar face of Bo Peep (Annie Potts) who was last seen in Toy Story 2. Bo Peep has a strong sense of self and empowerment. The film explains Bo's disappearance in the last film through an emotional flashback between Woody and her. This film puts her in the spotlight with an updated look. Bo takes the place of Buzz as the lead in this film alongside Woody. Its time for a strong female lead in the Pixar Universe.
The plot of this film as unique and enjoyable, it seemed like the story was closed in the last film but the writers managed to come up with a brand new adventure for these toys. Its a love story between Woody and Bo while also exploring Woody's purpose in life. The introduction of Forky allows these toys to explore their deeper meanings and desires. Woody' s perspective on being a lost toy is opened when he reunites with Bo Peep and he sees that its okay to not have a kid and he is finally allowed to follow his heart instead of looking out for everyone else all of the time.
Another reason why these films get better is the improvement of the animation over the course of Pixar's films. The studio is constantly coming up with ways to enhance their animation technology and it is the most evident when comparing the first Toy Story to this one. It is amazing to compare Sid's fake dog to the realistic cat Dragon. Pixar has even improved in their drawing of people where more than their hands and feet are shown in this film. This film was visually stunning and the location of a carnival was the right choice. In the antique store, it is evident the amount of detail that was put in to make it as realistic as possible with cobwebs and scratches. Pixar animation really outdid itself.
This film has some of the most heartbreaking moments in the history of Pixar films. It reminds us of why we fell in love with these characters as we have grown up with them and now it is time to say goodbye. They have provided years of entertainment but they must grow and explore new avenues. Overall the film is enjoyable and features many memorable performances through its supporting characters. Bo's strong female empowerment is refreshing and necessary to shake up the energy in the franchise. Forky allows us to explore questions about ourselves and realize our self-worth. The film is definitely a must-see and opens the door for many more Pixar films to come. The last line of the film sets us on To Infinity and Beyond.