Movie Review: Toy Story 4
In 1995 Pixar took us to infinity and beyond with the
animated hit Toy Story, now 24 years later they’re not only bringing the
successful franchise to an end but ending sequels altogether. With this in mind along with the declaration
of former studio head John Lasseter that a fourth film would only be made if it
is as good or better than its predecessors there are some big expectations for getting
Toy Story 4 right.
As expected with Pixar, the animation is spectacular, amazing
attention to detail, the voice casting top notch (including all possible
original cast members), and a Randy Newman soundtrack. So far, so good. Sadly, Toy Story 4 doesn’t go much
beyond that and falls short of the mark of being “as good or better” than its
predecessors.
While not a bad film, I did enjoy it, I didn’t love it. Honestly,
I didn’t really “feel” this one. After
each prior film had me fully invested in the characters and stories, Toy
Story 3 had me sobbing on three occasions alone, Toy Story 4 doesn’t
pack much of an emotional punch. I
wanted it to, but there’s an underlying “meh”ness about it.
Having no less than 8 different credited writers may be the
beginning of the problem. There are
numerous plots/themes, so the story is pulled in too many different directions
without one true unifying focus. Also,
with the multiple storylines none of them get completely fleshed out given the
limited running time and you feel a bit cheated on each account.
Also adding to my disappointment is the very limited screen
time given to most of the old gang, especially given that this is their last
outing. Buzz, Jessie, Hamm, Rex, etc.
are regulated to background characters that with the exception of Buzz don’t
even make it out of the RV for the film.
Even the return of Bo Peep largely takes a back seat. As for the new characters, Gabby Gabby is a
so-so villain and Forky quickly became Pixar’s Jar Jar Binks for me. Okay in small doses, but not really adding anything
to the overall storyline.
Speaking of storyline, there’s a lack of heart and soul in
this go ‘round, no doubt due to the lack of cohesiveness with the characters as
well as the story. There’s also a lack of
fun and humor. There are some cute moments
and even a few laugh-out-loud ones, but they’re few and far between. This is the first Toy Story film I’ve
watched in a crowded theater where there were long periods of absolute silence,
even from the kids. The stakes aren’t
very high either, tempering the tension making an underwhelming viewing
experience.
All told, and as much as I hate to say it, Toy Story 4 is
a disappointment. The lack of charm,
magic, heart, and soul is actually depressing.
So much so, I put off writing this review for several hours in hopes I might
find the silver lining. Well, two loads
of laundry later, I admit defeat. I
heard someone say they’re going to pretend Toy Story 4 doesn’t exist, while I’m not willing to go
that far, I’m not going to recommend you make any great effort to see it in the
theater (unless you have a kid that won’t be denied). Toy Story 4 is an unnecessary
addition/sequel in the franchise. Easily
my least favorite of the Toy Story films. I’m giving this one a 5 and I’m probably
being a bit generous with that.
Oh, yeah, if you do go to this one, there's an additional scene during the credits.
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