Hence, it also is jam-packed with nostalgia for the 1990s kids. If you’re one of them, prepare your emotions to be toyed with – mostly with a sensation of fulfillment, but with an ending that could leave you clutching at straws.
Of course, with an entire generation looking to relive their childhood through the film, the producers of were always going to be in a rather tight spot. The expectations set were insanely high!
Toy Story 4 starts with a flashback from nine years ago (so much nostalgia!) where Woody (masterfully voiced by Tom Hanks) and his friends work hard to save Andy’s toy car RC from being swept away by a storm.
Things have changed in the present world though. For starters, the characters now live with Andy’s sister Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw), a little girl who’s nervous about starting kindergarten. While Woody isn’t her favourite toy, he’s there to provide her with some sense of comfort in her backpack through her school orientation.
A new friend comes in all of our lives as Bonnie creates a new toy, Forky, at school. He has been created out of a plastic spork, a pipe cleaner, lopsided googly eyes and trash-bin bits. Forky keeps wondering if he’s trash or toy.
Of course, the new character also brings with him a new plot. While on a family trip, Forky runs away and as always, Woody finds himself on a mission to get Forky back. He manages to get to Forky and on their way back the two start developing a bond.
During this time, Woody also runs into an old friend, Bo Peep (Annie Potts), a porcelain doll who used to live on a lamp but has now moved on. The story then moves forward where an antique shop becomes the main backdrop with its collectibles and creepy dolls setting the scene perfectly for what’s to come.
A 1950s baby doll, Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) is the bad guy, holding Forky hostage. Woody then finds himself in a situation where he must rescue Forky.
The entire film is primarily Woody’s story. While, The Potato Heads, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn) are still very much part of the whole film, but it is Woody who’s the center of attraction – as one would expect.
Let’s not forget the incredible Keanu Reeves who voices Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom, a new character who also features integrally in Toy Story 4.
Pixar animation has grown massively over the years, and that’s clearly visible in the juxtaposition of all Toy Story films. The animations have matured and become more lifelike, giving the viewer a richer experience. The overall colours, textures and the general photorealistic quality will blow your mind.
Pixar seems to have found the secret to keeping the viewers wanting to go back to their childhood and relive their memories
The storyline is also top-drawer, which is what will make this an experience you’ll thoroughly enjoy. For, Pixar seems to have found the secret to keeping the viewers wanting to go back to their childhood and relive their memories – which is exactly what Toy Story will make you do.
The nostalgia oozing throughout the screen-time is immense. If you’ve ever watched any of the Toy Story films, this is an absolute must watch for you.
If you’ve watched them all, you know you were always going to watch Toy Story 4 even if turned out to be an unmitigated disaster. Although, it is worth repeating, that it is quite the contrary!