Directed by Josh Cooley
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts
Rated G
Pixar is one of the studios that constantly generates great quality after another. Pixar had a golden streak in the mid to late 2000’s, lately the studio has been releasing multiple sequels to their original works. Finding Dory, Monsters University, Cars 3, and now Toy Story 4. Coming into the film, I was a bit skeptical of another Toy Story due to Toy Story 3 having a perfect ending. But Toy Story 4 is another great addition to the series that does not disappoint.
Toy Story 4 features the voice of Tom Hanks as Woody, a toy who reunites with an old Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts) while on the road. But Woody is trying to save a newly created friend, Forky,(voiced by Tony Hale) who is beloved by their owner Bonnie. The film also does feature Toy Story regulars such as Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen) and Jessie (Joan Cusack).
The very first Toy Story was the first computer generated animated film that was made. In comparison to this film to Toy Story 4, there is a audible difference with the animation. In the first Toy Story, the animation is very clunky at times but still very good. But in Toy Story 4, the animation looks so smooth. There are two instances where the animation stands out. One with two characters talking in the rain and one cat who just shines. At time, the animation feels like this is an actual live action film. The animators did a fantastic job with creating the world of a fair and the new characters we are introduced to.
With the new characters we meet, the stand outs are Ducky and Bunny (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, respectively). These two toys are quite hilarious and steal the scene almost every time they are featured. This is in part of Key and Peele who are known for their great humor. These two are also joined by Forky as well who i quite funny as well. In addition to those characters, we also meet Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks). Her presence on screen brings out the horror elements of the film. The character, along with the dummies, are quite frightening when on screen, it is something new for this series.
While viewing the film, the score also standouts when it is presented on the screen. The score is composed by Randy Newman who has been with the series since the beginning. Ever rarely do I mention a film score but this is a score that is actually quite memorable. The score does it job quite well, as it elevates the scenes and adds more emotions to the scenes, when needed.
While much praise given to the film, unfortunately not much is given to Jessie and the rest of the supporting characters. What made all the Toy Story films so beloved is because it is a team effort. All toys from Rex to Hamm are regulars to the series but this film has their role reduced to a minimal. This is of course a minor grip but the supporting characters are what make Toy Story a film series that is viewed year after year.
Toy Story 4 is a great addition to the Toy Story series that brings humor and heart. The film has us reunited with old characters and in the end it made me smile and will do so for the rest of the audience. I highly recommend to view Toy Story 4 as all audiences will enjoy it.
4/4
Edward's Film Reviews 