I watched Toy Story 4 and I liked it. 3/5
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Toy Story 4, the latest installment in the beloved Toy Story franchise, directed by Josh Cooley and released in 2019, brings back the iconic characters and introduces new ones in an adventure that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the meaning of family. While the film retains the heart and humor that made its predecessors so endearing, it falls short of capturing the same level of magic and innovation, resulting in a mixed viewing experience.
One of the strengths of Toy Story 4 lies in its beautifully rendered animation. The attention to detail and the vibrant visuals bring the toy world to life, immersing the audience in a colorful and imaginative environment. The animation is particularly impressive in scenes set at the carnival, where the dazzling lights and intricate set designs create a visually stunning backdrop.
The voice cast, led by Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, delivers solid performances that breathe life into their respective characters. Their chemistry and comedic timing remain as charming as ever, and the addition of new characters like Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, brings fresh energy and humor to the mix. The emotional core of the film is driven by Woody’s internal struggle to find his purpose in a changing world, and Hanks brings a depth of emotion to the character that is both heartwarming and bittersweet.
Toy Story 4 also explores thought-provoking themes of self-discovery and letting go. The film introduces a new character, Gabby Gabby, voiced by Christina Hendricks, who longs to be loved and struggles with her own identity. Her arc adds an emotional layer to the story, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding. The film raises interesting questions about the nature of existence and the significance of fulfilling one’s purpose.
However, despite these positive aspects, Toy Story 4 feels somewhat unnecessary in the grand scheme of the franchise. The previous installment, Toy Story 3, provided a satisfying and poignant conclusion to the characters’ journeys, making this fourth installment feel more like an extension than a necessary continuation. The narrative lacks the same sense of urgency and stakes as its predecessors, and some plot developments feel contrived or forced.
The pacing of the film also suffers at times, with certain sequences feeling drawn out and others feeling rushed. The plot meanders at points, diverting from the main storyline and losing focus. While there are certainly heartfelt and humorous moments throughout the film, they don’t consistently maintain the same level of emotional impact or laugh-out-loud humor as previous installments.
Additionally, the character development of some beloved characters, such as Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, feels lacking in Toy Story 4. They take a backseat to new characters, and their roles are somewhat diminished, which may disappoint fans who have grown attached to them over the course of the franchise.
In conclusion, Toy Story 4 is a visually impressive film with solid voice performances and thought-provoking themes. While it retains the heart and humor of its predecessors, it falls short of capturing the same level of magic and innovation that made the franchise so beloved. The unnecessary nature of the film and its pacing issues prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors, resulting in a 3 out of 5 rating. While it may still bring enjoyment to fans of the franchise, it lacks the same level of impact and cohesiveness that made the previous films so memorable.