It may seem odd that in 25 years we are now only getting
Pixar’s Toy Story 4, but if you look at the timeline, you can see the
timing of each release is genius. It makes sense, not just logistically because
it does take years to animate one of these features, but also thematically that
these films are released with large gaps in between. In 1995 (when Toy Story
was released) the audience were children. Toy Story 2 was released in
1999. Those children were either preteens or still in the middle of their
teenage years. In 2010, Toy Story 3 is released, and those kids are now
adults, but young adults. Some are in college and some are entering the workforce
but they are all still touching the same milestone of transitioning into
adulthood. Nine years later that same audience that grew up is now
either beginning the stage in life when they already are or are about to become
parents.
The film does begin with a flashback of nine years into the
past which both sets up the story for the return of a character as well as provide backstory for anyone that hasn't seen the previous films. The flashback shows a time
when Andy was young and Woody was king of the toys and thus had a
responsibility to his child which prevents him from making a selfish decision.
We know from the end of Toy Story 3, this is no longer the status quo.
The film resumes current continuity with Bonne and the new
cast of toys. Woody is no longer the main toy but he still believes it is his
responsibility to care for Bonnie and believes he knows what is right. The
kickoff event is Bonnie’s Kindergarten Orientation in which she is both hesitant
to go and shy while in the classroom. Behaving as a helicopter parent, Woody
throws some stuff on her table which sparks Bonnie’s imagination. This leads to
the creation of the “toy” that’s the real centerpiece of the advertising for
the film: Forky (Tony Hale from Arrested Development and Veep).
The only problem is Forky wasn’t meant to be a toy and doesn’t
want to be a toy and Woody again assumes the responsibility of making sure
Forky understands how critical toys are to Bonnie. Through a series of
adventures which include a road trip and a pitstop in the middle of nowhere,
Woody transitions into his new role as mentor, showing that he is maturing with
this display of “parenthood.”
Along this trek, Woody is distracted and finds his way into
trouble and the newest additions to the cast. In an old antique store we meet
the tragic antagonist of this story (as is the staple of Toy Story films):
Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks from Mad Men and Firefly).
Gabby's motivations are the same as any toy: to be played with and know the love of a child. Her tragic story is a critical part to the plot so I will refrain from spoiling.
Also along the trek they come across a familiar face in the
return of Bo Peep (Annie Potts returning to the role) who has grown into a strong
and adventurous character being mostly on her own. I say mostly because in
addition to her sheep, Bo Peep has a new bff in the adorable new Polly Pocket-like
character of Giggle McDimples (voiced by Ally Maki from Marvel’s Cloak and
Dagger).
Additionally, we also meet two stuffed animals from the carnival
named Ducky and Bunny (voiced respectively by Keegan Michael Key and Jordan
Peele from the sketch show Key & Peele and the film Keanu).
In the screening I attended, these are the characters that hands down got the
biggest audience laughs.
And speaking of Keanu, whoa that’s right Stunt Man Toy Duke
Caboom is voiced by Keanu Reeves (John Wick and The Matrix). I
can’t recall a time Keanu has ever done voice work but his particular style
delivers a performance that is somehow both understated and yet intentionally
over dramatic. Regardless it is adorable, and it makes his back-story reveal,
which is tragic, actually come off as hilarious.
While I don't want to spoil anything, I must recommend that audiences bring their tissues when seeing this movie. Yes. I cried. The Toy Story series just manages the perfect
balance of drama and levity. On a more personal note, the thing I took away from the story is the
bittersweet realization that only do we have to grow up, we also have to move
on realize while we will always be parents (just like the toys will be always be toys) we cant let that be the only thing in our lives. We have to let our children find our own way and not let the beginning of
their story be the end of ours. Once again the geniuses at Pixar hit a critical
and audience pleasing film out of the park with an animated feature that is
both crowd pleasing, touching and poignant.
As a side note, remember to stay in your seat and catch the
mid credits sequences after the film. They are very funny and actually provide
a glimpse into the future of the toys.
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