Whatever this emotional ending is, I’m starting to get afraid of whatever’s coming. It’s not that far now.
Early reactions on Twitter are glowingly positive. Bailey on Twitter“I can't describe #ToyStory4 as anything other than "emotionally punishing". This is Pixar at it's best, and it's the first of their nostalgia sequels since Toy Story 3 that truly feels earned in every sense as it twists and warps that very nostalgia into something transcendent. It might not be a better ending than 3, but it's every bit as powerful. This feels just as much like an indie drama as it does an adventure comedy, with shots lingering on the pain and regret that the characters feel before diving right back into a hilarious set piece. This is Tom Hanks' show, and I don't think I've heard a better vocal performance in an animated film than this. Bring tissues, because I started crying 2 minutes in and it barely let up. Also, KEANU REEVES & TONY HALE oh my god.“
"Toy Story 4 is definitely worth watching and definitely worth buying on Blu-ray" Jeremy Jahns' Spoiler Talk
I'm glad to see it's getting great reviews, and that it doesn't sound too "safe" or like an "adventure of the week". Ironically, those are both phrases I'd use to describe Incredibles 2 and Finding Dory, which were both kind of boring to me, and definitely lower on my list of Pixar movies. Toy Story is sort of Pixar's flagship series, and I'm glad to hear that it sounds like they're still handling it with care. Hearing these reviews has made me more excited to see it.
Despite all the red flags that popped up during production, this movie still pulls it off... amazing.
I truly was terrified that they were going to fuck it up, or at least that the reviews were all going to say “it’s good but unnecessary”. I’m truly astonished and at the same time, there’s a part of me that isn’t astonished, that they pulled off perfection yet again. Now granted we’ll have to see it ourselves because Incredibles 2 was called perfection as well, even though it was completely forgettable, but even that had lots of complaints that it wasn’t as good as the original. Toy Story 4 isn’t getting that complaint by a long shot from the look of it. So yeah. Well done, from the look of it, Pixar. Well done.
Toy Story 4 is a solid follow-up that we all thought we never needed. But it raises a few questions: Spoiler 1. Are Bunny and Ducky supposed to be permanently joined on the hands? 2. How did Bo break her arm?
Okay, my review. I will say that this movie doesn’t go as big as 3 in terms of scale. That film felt almost operatic as it literally took us to hell and back for toys and the cast literally almost didn’t survive their first kid growing up. This is definitely a much smaller scale movie but with some massive moments nonetheless that change this series forever. I’ve heard the term epilogue be used a lot describing this film’s place in the series, and I’d say that’s a fair statement, as this film is kind of an epilogue to 3. Whereas 3 was about the toys having to face change head on and moving on, Spoiler this movie is Woody actually moving on and changing his life as a person for the first time. Tom Hanks crushes it as Woody in literally Woody’s finest hour. He’s still the flawed, lovable Woody we know and care about, and is put in a place that brings out his most interesting side. This is absolutely his movie first and foremost, and Spoiler while it’s not like he dies or anything, this was a swan song, a ride into the sunset, much like Logan was for Jackman’s Wolverine and Endgame was for RDJ’s Iron Man. Woody’s story can certainly continue, but the Woody we know is gone and changes for the better. This film’s message about being willing to change as opposed to accepting change when its thrust upon you is very moving. I was in awe of the places and choices this film took its characters. Like I said, the Woody at the end of this film is a complete evolution of the Woody who held the first staff meeting in Andy’s room in 1995. How to Train Your Dragon has been praised for its maturation and development of Hiccup across its trilogy, but the character development of Woody across the four movies is nothing short of masterful. And once again, Hanks had me choked up. When it comes to the other characters, the new characters really shine. Ducky, Bunny, and Duke Caboom are all great and funny additions to the series. Bo is a very interesting character for the first time as opposed to when she was just Woody’s girlfriend, and her absence in 3 was worth the wait for her role here. And the trope I feared like hell thankfully does and doesn’t show up here: Spoiler Gabby Gabby is the villain, but there’s no big gotcha moment like every other Disney movie coming out. And yet at the same time there is. I’m astounded by how Pixar made me care about this villain. Like Lotso and Prospector, she’s a dark subversion of Woody, in this case an attachment to a child, but yet she is redeemed and genuinely does want to care for a child like Woody has. Again, I was floored. Her redemption may disqualify her from being a true villain, but her depth was on Lotso’s level for sure. If anything, the old characters get the short end of the stick since the movie mostly focuses on Woody and the new cast. Buzz gets a lot to do of course, but it’s strange to see him struggling with leadership after he so confidently led the rescue team in 2 and showed no hesitation taking over in 3 on two occasions. It was, however, nice that he doesn’t go back to space ranger mode for the first time in a sequel. He gets kinda goofy too for some reason. Sure in 2 he was confused about delicious hot schmoes, but I find it hard to believe that after being “alive” all these years since Andy’s birthday he’s never heard of a conscience. The other toys don’t get to do much. Slinky helps in the prologue, Jessie helps stall Bonnie’s family, but otherwise, that’s it. The other toys are just kinda there - which was to be expected in Potato Head’s case, due to the death of Don Rickles, at least. Oh, and by the way, the film is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Like, WOW. Toy Story 3 already looked so damn good yet this film is 20,000 times better than that. It’s literally like comparing night and day. It’s so photorealistic, vibrant, lively, and beautiful. There are shots that are pieces of pure art and will stay with me. The toys themselves have never looked better. Bo looks legitimately beautiful in the gorgeous lighting. One other complaint I had was that the score was mostly recycled themes from the previous films. I legitimately don’t recall an original theme from this film. The score is still good and nostalgic, but Newman didn’t really flex like he did for previous films. Maybe the rushed production after most of the script was thrown out had something to do with it? I don’t know. But yeah, the score is pretty much the score from 2 and 3, and 1 as well I think (I remember the score from 2 and 3 better). Is this film a tearjerker? Yes. Spoiler But not until the very end when Woody makes his decision. It’s truly groundbreaking to see Woody of all people decide to leave his family, knowing that he can no longer make Bonnie happy and realizing he’s better living somewhere else. I could not believe what I was watching. After 3 I was terrified that eventually the core cast would be whittled down by time just as Andy’s extended toy collection was, and in a way, I was right, with the departure of Woody. Knowing he’ll probably never see Buzz, or Jessie, or Rex and the others ever again was.. well, that was heartbreaking. The goodbye in 3 was already a sweeping moment in film history. The farewell between Woody and the toys is just as sweeping. There wasn’t a dry eye in my theater. And yes, there was heartfelt applause at “to infinity and beyond”. Despite a few character decisions I didn’t care for, Toy Story 4 is still yet another masterpiece and deserves its 100% rating. Nothing after the credits besides an in memoriam for Don and one of the animators. 1. I don’t think so. 2. She’s been on her own for years.
Actually there wasn’t. That surprised me. Okay I can now confirm that yes, they are stitched together. I’m in the theater right now.
Gotta say, it's gonna be tough finding a movie that can top this for Best Animated Film at the next Oscars.
