Toy Story 4 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Toy Story 4

RATING: G

LENGTH: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Our favorite toys are back together again in Toy Story 4, 24 years after the original Toy Story hit theaters to instant, raving fans. How does this franchise consistently pump out one fantastic film after another? Disney and Pixar’s magical formula has done it again. The Toy Story 4 sequel is written by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom. John Lasseter has always said that Pixar wouldn’t make another Toy Story movie unless it was as good or better than previous versions. Mission accomplished. To infinity and beyond!

Bring tissues. Filled with lots of actions, fun characters, and rescue adventures, this family-friendly movie will force you to weep in the end, whether you want to or not.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Don’t you just love a rated G movie? It’s actually the only animated film in 2019 to be rated G so far and perfect for all ages.
Help your young children to understand what is make-believe when it comes to their toys. They’re sure to look at their toys differently and, hopefully, take good care of them.
No profanity
Some name-calling (crazy, idiot, weirdo).
A glass of wine is seen on the edge of a bathtub.
All of the female toys are very strong, independent figures.
Toys in peril
There is some edgy humor that will go over the kids’ heads, but enough to make a point to parents that Pixa is paying attention to adults too.

THEMES:

“Listen to your inner voice.” – Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
Feeling lost, finding purpose
Loyalty, friendship, love
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Family
Faith in oneself

THINGS I LIKED:

The animation is truly stunning: the textures, facial expresssions, movement. Wow.
The sound effects are noticeably awesome.
Voice talents include returning favorites like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Bonnie Hunt, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, and Estelle Harris. Some fun, new toys are added to the crew, such as Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Christina Hendricks, and the epic Keanu Reeves! Keanu’s character, Duke Caboom, is a really fun addition and crowd pleaser. It was actually Keanu’s idea to have the character of Duke Caboom constantly making poses. Pixar loved the idea and so do audiences! If 2018 was Josh Brolin’s year, 2019 is definitely Keanu Reeves’ year. Surely the most popular merchandise from this movie will be Disney Pixar Toy Story Stunt Racer Duke Caboom, 5.9″
Don Rickles, who voices Mr. Potato Head, passed away in 2017, so he wasn’t able to voice his loveable character in this movie; however, because of the encouragement from his family, Pixar was able to use prior recordings and piece together his dialogue for this movie. So sweet. This is also the last movie role for Bud Luckey (Chuckles the Clown), who passed away in 2018. The film has been dedicated to Bud.
Here are some famous voices you might have missed: Mel Brooks as Melephant Brooks, Carol Burnett as Chairol Burnett, Betty White as Bitey White, Carl Reiner as Carl Reineroceros, Bill Hader as Axel the Carnie, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, and Alan Oppenheimer as Old Timer. What a talented cast!
Great music by Randy Newman, who has composed the music for all four Toy Story films. It’s perfect.
This is Josh Cooley’s directorial debut. Well done, Josh! He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his work on Inside Out (Theatrical)
The dust bunny was so funny. I absolutely adore little details like that in movies. This movie has tons of details and references to pop culture.
Lots of humor for kids and adults.
Bo Peep gets a serious upgrade to her character and role.
There is never a dull moment.
The ending is a graceful finale if this franchise decides to use it as such.
Be sure to keep watching during the end credits…until the VERY end!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

True fans were completely satisfied with the Toy Story trilogy and how it ended. Or how we thought it ended….So, audiences have been surprised that a 4th movie was even made. With some trepidation, audiences have been curious and are now immediately thrilled with this new addition.
Creepy ventriloquist dummies. Even Forky says, “He is terrifying!” ha ha They look a lot like “Slappy” from the Goosebumps movies.
The story has the same plot as the first Toy Story in that Woody tries to convince a new toy that he IS a toy and that he is loved by a little child and important.
Action sequences are great, although a couple of times they felt too frenzied and crowded on the screen.
I would have loved to see more classic moments with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.

FUNNY LINES:

* “Yes, I Canada!” – Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves)

INTERESTING LINES:

“That little voice inside me would never forgive me if I gave up.” – Woody (Tom Hanks)
“That little voice advises you.” – Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
“I didn’t want to sit on a shelf waiting for my life to happen.” – Bo Peep (Annie Potts)
“Being there for a child is the most noble thing a toy can do.” – Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks)
“I’d give anything to be loved the way you have.” – Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks)

OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Toy Story