David Pierdomenico
Nine years ago, Disney/Pixar succeeded at making grown adults weep like children, with an emotional and bittersweet film that was Toy Story 3. In many ways, its ending hit adult audiences harder, especially those that grew up on the first two films. It didn’t shy away from the joy, as well as the poignancy of growing up and moving on. After that finale, it didn’t seem like there were any stories left to tell about our beloved toys. But nevertheless, money rules over all in Hollywood, so let’s take a look at Toy Story 4.
New Kid, New Routine
Toy Story 4 picks up a couple years after the last film, as Bonnie is now 5 years old and ready to enter Kindergarten. Andy’s old toys, along with Bonnie’s have pretty much assimilated into one large family, all there to make her happy as toys do. Early on, we see that Woody is struggling with no longer being in charge, “running the room” as he calls it. It seems that despite finding a new home with a new kid, Woody hasn’t fully gotten over Andy. He has a restlessness that seems to linger, one that drives him to do anything and everything to make Bonnie happy.
This causes him to sneak into Bonnie’s backpack when she goes to school. While there, he witnesses Bonnie making a new toy out of a spork, pipe cleaner, and a popsicle stick. And to his amazement, this new “toy” gains consciousness and comes to life, thus Forky is born. This truly has some massive implications about the creation of life itself, but unfortunately, this is completely overlooked. Though it would have made for an entirely different film.
Forky is convinced that he belongs in the trash, because that’s where Bonnie got materials to make him. As Bonnie and her parents go on a road trip, Woody takes it upon himself to keep an eye on Forky. But ultimately they get separated and hijinks ensue as all the toys go off on their own side quests at large carnival, where the RV has stopped at for a few days. This adventures leads to meeting new toys, and even a few old familiar faces. It’s not really a spoiler to mention that Woody is reunited with Bo Peep, since after all it’s in the trailer!
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
Perhaps the most interesting theme the film explores is what it means to be lost. The toys we meet at the carnival exist in the reality of being without a kid. Some of them rejoice in their freedom, while still being able to be played with as children visit the carnival quite often. Others however, dream of having a kid of their own, but are forced to cope with harsh, lonely realities. As Woody tries to complete a mission to bring Forky back to Bonnie, he’s forced to confront his own feelings and motivations.
Toy Story 4 has some interesting things to say, but it never quite hits the same emotional marks that the third one did. The only character to really get an effective and interesting arc is Woody himself, while Buzz’s characterization takes a strange dive into almost parody of himself. We also get some fun moments with new toys voices by Keegan Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Christina Hendricks, and even Keanu Reeves!
Overall, it’s a perfectly enjoyable cinematic experience, with no major issues or flaws. But when following such a beautiful and brilliant ending that was Toy Story 3, it doesn’t really do enough to justify its own existence. Ultimately, Toy Story 4 feels like nothing more than an amusing sidequest.
David Pierdomenico is a former History/English Teacher, and a current HR Professional. His dorky passion is an absolute love of film, especially horror and comic book. He is also the author of horror novels Kushtaka and Veritas, and the founder of Halloween Year-Round.
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