When I first heard that Toy Story 4 was in production, I was honestly quite jaded. Didn’t it end with Toy Story 3? Were they trying to extend this cash cow? What other storylines were there left to explore, since the relationship between the toys and their owner (Andy) had come full circle? Would this just be a perfunctory story involving talking toys? Toy Story 4 completely wrecked all those expectations and renewed my faith in Pixar’s incredible storytelling skills, with a brand new instalment in the franchise that gives viewers reason to pause and reflect on what their purpose in life is.
Toy Story 4 takes place after Toy Story 3, with the toys having found a new owner in pre-schooler Bonnie. After her arts and crafts project comes to life as her latest favourite toy, the other toys are forced to take care of it to ensure Bonnie’s happiness. But when Bonnie and her family go on a road trip with the toys, this becomes infinitely more complex – especially when they discover a devious doll who is out to take advantage of the situation.
So, let’s talk about Bo Peep (Annie Potts), who is one of the main characters of Toy Story 4. The film reveals what happened to her after the events of Toy Story 2 (and hence, the reason for her absence in Toy Story 3). Her character goes through a dramatic revamp in this film, as she goes from being the typical genteel love interest to a formidable action heroine, on par with the likes of Lara Croft. In fact, her character is so impressive that I’m contemplating looking out for a poseable 4-inch or 6-inch figure of her, just so that I can make Bo Peep perform all the amazing action sequences that she does in the film. Her crook (a shepherd’s staff) becomes this versatile tool/weapon that can do anything, and if there were ever a Toy Story 4 game, I’d want to play Bo Peep.
Action hero fun aside, the reinvention of Bo Peep’s character is the catalyst for Woody’s (Tom Hanks) change of heart. While the reinvention could have been used for any of the characters, what matters more is that it gives us many of the emotional moments in the film. Her stoic acceptance of situations, her innate compassion that is hidden under a hardened exterior, and her disappointment in people (toys) is what makes us feel for her, and the painful situations she finds herself in.
Woody himself is the cause of many tearjerking scenes, especially when it comes to his self-doubt and need for finding purpose in life. His struggles echo that of many who seek a raison d’etre, and question their own motivations and reasons for their actions. And who better than to ponder the meaning of life than a toy – which has lived a longer existence (since he was made in the 50’s) than the audience?
Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele) are the low points of the film though, adding low brow humour that detracts from the main plot (and the quality of the overall production and story). They’re probably the worst two ideas in the movie – do you really want to see a pair of grumpy stuffed toys who come up with childish, ridiculous ideas time and again? They’d have been better off as a single gag, rather than this ongoing pair of pests that keeps undercutting the emotional drama of the film.
Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) and the Bensons were terrifying though, with shades of American Horror Story in their design and execution. Since this is a Toy Story film after all, they don’t quite meet the same kind of gruesome ends that the characters of American Horror Story would. In fact, they even have pretty poignant resolutions to their storylines.
Toy Story 4 knocks it out of the park again, hitting all the right notes (except for the aforementioned Ducky and Bunny). You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and then you’ll cry again. It’s an emotional roller coaster (of the good kind), and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you miss it. Don’t let your cynicism cause you to miss out on it, like I almost did. Besides, it’s a mere 100 minutes long! What’s the harm, right?
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this more than once? If you want to catch all the references in it, yes.
Secret ending? A mid-credits scene.
Score: 4.1/5
Running time: 100 minutes (~1.75 hours)
Toy Story 4 is an 3D-animated comedy that’s the fourth (surprise surprise) instalment in the Toy Story film franchise.
The film sees Woody and friends going on a quest to rescue a lost, new character. But that journey turns out to be much more than a rescue mission, as they learn more about their purpose and open their minds to a whole new world. Things will literally never be the same again after Toy Story 4.
Toy Story 4 is directed by Josh Cooley and written by Stephany Folsom and Andrew Stanton, with additional story credits for John Lasseter, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Josh Cooley, Valerie LaPointe, and Martin Hynes. It features the voice talents of Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Annie Potts (Bo Peep), Tony Hale (Forky), Keegan-Michael Key (Ducky), Jordan Peele (Bunny), Madeleine McGraw (Bonnie), Christina Hendricks (Gabby Gabby), and Keanu Reeves (Duke Caboom).
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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