Toy Story 4 (2019) Review

Don Rickles (voice of Mr. Potato Head) passed away in 2017 due to kidney failure and unfortunately was unable to record his voice lines before his death. Pixar decided to dig through the archives of voice lines from past Toy Story films, theme park attractions, and video games to construct dialogue for the classic voice of Mr. Potato Head one last time. Say what you want about Pixar, but they are ingenious. There are solutions for every problem and that perfectly encapsulates the success of 'Toy Story 4'.

The Toy Story franchise began in 1995 with John Lasseter leading the way and twenty-four years later, the series is stronger than ever before. This is Josh Cooley’s feature length directorial debut, which almost feels like a boldface lie. I have never seen this level of ability from a first-time director since Ari Aster. The unexpected fourth installment of Toy Story was in the hands of the screenwriter of Pixar animation Inside Out (2016). What else was there to expect but originality?

'Toy Story 4' begins with Bonnie’s reluctancy to attend her kindergarten orientation. Against the advice of the other toys, Woody tags along to ensure Bonnie has someone to look after her. While Bonnie is apprehensive at first, Woody stealthily gives her the tools to create a new toy. Forky, made up of a spork, pipe cleaners for arms, googly eyes, and popsicle sticks for feet, and eventually comes to life to the surprise of the other toys. Forky becomes Bonnie’s coping mechanism, thus Woody tries to protect Forky at all costs. After splitting off from the rest of the toys on a road trip, it is up to Woody and Forky to reunite with the gang before it is too late.

I will be the first to admit that after the conclusion of Toy Story 3, the thought of a fourth film in the series did not appeal to me. I felt the story had properly concluded and anything in addition to this storyline would be unnecessary. That presumption could not have been more incorrect

John Lasseter knew all along that this cinematic universe has much more to offer thematically. As the series has set the precedent that toys are meant to be there for kids, we forget that toys mature in their own way as well. Woody assumes a parent-like role with Forky and must endure sleepless nights to shield Bonnie from the devastating feeling of losing her new toy. We see Forky’s perspective on life shift as he begins to see the world through Woody’s eyes, with that brings comedic value to which this series has yet to see before.

Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) draws laughter through his quirky antics and blunt dialogue. While his first running joke of becoming inseparable from nearby trashcans becomes redundant at first, it dissipates after his character grows and learns about the world around him. Hale does an incredible job playing this anxiety-riddled spork and delivers when the spotlight hits him.

Where this film excels is introducing a surplus of new side characters that do not take over the movie. Ducky (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), Bunny (voiced by Jordan Peele), Giggle McDimples (voiced by Ally Maki), Duke Caboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves), and Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks) are able to distinctively assert themselves without overstepping their boundaries. I was curious to see if Key and Peele would try to do so much with their roles that it becomes overbearing and misplaced. However, they were both sensational. Their comedic timing fit the tone of this movie appropriately and helped elevate this film as best they could.

Duke Caboom’s role in this movie is small, yet significant. The audience quickly learns about his backstory and then he is there to advance the story. Although Keanu Reeves fits the role perfectly and brings his all, I cannot help but think of Duke Caboom as anything more than a plot device that deserves more attention than he got.

Gabby Gabby is the main antagonist in this film and effectively gives off those unsettling vibes that we expect from that part in the Toy Story series. This character lives in an old antique shop and her minions are ventriloquist dolls that would be spine-chilling in a rated R movie, let alone a G rated film. What separates Gabby Gabby from every other antagonist in the Toy Story series is her motives. While motives by characters such as Lots-o and Al are understandable, we begin to feel for this character on a deeper level. There is a method to her madness and is not a villain for the sake of the plot. Christina Hendricks sets herself apart and helps propel this plot into the most innovative of the series.

Combined with a beautifully constructed plot is production design and cinematography taken to a level not reached before in an animated movie. The opening sequence alone displays how far animation has come in the past few decades. There is detail down to sheen on toys and water droplets gently falling down a window. The antique shop especially feels ancient as cobwebs and dust litter the background and it adds value to the scenes that take place there. The greenery is exceptional and at times feels more pleasant to look at than nature itself.

One aspect of Toy Story films that stand out is its use of meaningful actions and dialogue. Fortunately, 'Toy Story 4' does not disappoint in that regard. Whether it appears as an insignificant gag or a nonsensical action to add depth to a singular scene, it becomes relevant to the plot later. If something piques your interest or seems like an oddity, that will not be the last time you hear about it.

Attention to detail in terms of Easter Eggs are everywhere as well. Life-long movie fans will adore the amount of hidden references to earlier Toy Story films Pixar shorts, and critically-acclaimed features that are in the antique store alone. From Tin Toy’s appearance and allusions to the Eggman Moving Company and Room 237, there is something for people of all ages to discover in the shadows.

On the surface, ‘Toy Story 4’ is a delightful conclusion to a series that has been around for a quarter of a century. However, saying that would be a disservice to the level of storytelling genius and thematic excellence that John Lasseter has delivered over the past few decades. 'Toy Story 4' has cemented itself as the best film of the franchise through its high quality animation, thought-provoking subjects, comedic brilliance, and heart-warming imagery. 'Toy Story 4’ does all the right things and gives fans a thrilling conclusion that this beloved franchise rightfully deserves.

Final Score: 9.5/10