The Toy Story series is noted as one of the most groundbreaking and innovative animated series of all time. Toy Story was the first fully computer generated animated feature film. The second film was another solid entry in the series. The third movie was he only animated sequel to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. John Lassester, the now ousted head of Pixar was quoted as saying, "We don't want to do anything with [these characters] unless it lives up to or surpasses what's gone before." Does Toy Story 4 live up to those expectations? The short answer is...yes.
What amazes me about Pixar is their ability to create a spectacular suspension of disbelief. Using the original writers of the series, they are able to create a world that is so easy for the viewer to get sucked into. Following the story and character arcs of Woody, Buzz, and the other toys becomes a full-time, emotional investment. I think this is primarily due to the chronological spacing of the films. Instead of rushing out sequels, the studio took its time fleshing out the characters. After all, there was 9 years between Toy Story 3 and 4. By the time each movie is released, the viewer has had time to go grow as a person in many ways, and have a different perspective on life. This translates well to film viewing. I wish more movie studios would jump on this bandwagon rather than going for the quick and easy money fix.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen both had been quoted in interviews saying how devastating the dialogue was within the film. Both actors said it was some of the most difficult dialogue they had ever completed in their storied careers. I found this hard to believe after the tear-inducing end of Toy Story 3. I surely was wrong as I found myself with tears streaming down my face throughout the movie. This especially took me by surprise because of the well written comedic dialogue throughout the film that broke out the theater in audible laughs. There is nothing better in a film than well-balanced screenplay, and Pixar does it flawlessly. Also bringing up questions of morality between Woody's self-righteous approach to saving toys versus what other toys want was incredibly profound for a G-rated feature. Usually I find screenplays penned by multiple screenwriters to be incredibly disjointed. This is a prime example of how a story should flow among a plethora of contributors.
Toy Story's greatest feat has always been their casting. There has never been a bad choice for the voice of each character. What is amazing to me is how each actor has stuck with their characters, unless they have passed in between productions. Using award winning actors makes a huge difference when delivering raw emotionality and is vastly underrated. Forky for Best Actor! I am also in awe at the leaps and bounds Pixar has made in animating their features. Animation and CGI has easily progressed more than any other aspect of film in the past 25 years. If you don't believe me, please look at the horrifying example below.
Toy Story 4 is lowest ranked film in the series on Rotten Tomatoes. I find this amusing since it currently sits at 98 % versus Toy Story 1 and 2's 100% percent and Toy Story 3's 99%. If it truly is the worst entry in the series, it is the best-worst entry ever. I don't think I have ever seen a better fourth entry in any film series ever, and one of the most original, fun, and impassioned sequels ever.
Grade: (9/10)
P.S. Keanu Reeves is featured in this film. Let's keep the Keanu Renaissance going please.
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