Review
JAMIE EAST AT THE MOVIES
Toy Story 4 review: Pixar has done it again with the funniest of the series
NINETY minutes ago I was firmly in the “Why are they making another one?” camp.
Toy Story 3 was pretty much the perfect film, expertly wrapping up the perfect trilogy. I was nervous for the gang - was a fourth Toy Story pushing Pixar’s luck just one too many times?
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Well, I don’t know how they keep on doing it, but forking shell, they’ve done it again. Toy Story 4 is a complete and utter joy.
We begin nine years in the past, learning exactly why Bo Peep and her sheep were absent from Toy Story 3. Turns out she was given away (Molly, Andy’s sister had outgrown her) but she was happy to go, knowing her time was up and a different adventure lay ahead - which gives the film its theme.
Then Randy Newman’s incredible theme tune kicks in and we’re tapping our foot in the present day with Bonnie (the girl at the end of Toy Story 3) who’s now a little older and about to start her first day at Kindergarten. She’s nervous, especially as she isn’t allowed to take any of her beloved toys.
All the old gang are there, with Woody still struggling to let go of his memories of Andy (he was the favourite - which isn’t the case anymore) and needing to find a new purpose. He tries to help Bonnie by smuggling himself in her backpack for company - and the adventure begins once more - taking everyone to a small town which has not much more than a carnival and an old Antique shop, within which lies an old friend - and some... not so friendly.
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There’s little point in talking too much about the storyline because it’s largely more of the same - toys escape/go missing/get rescued - which has been the constant throughout. I don’t mind though, because I don’t think that is the films’ strength. Its strength lies in simply being able to create some of the best characters ever seen on screen - and boy do we get a load of new favourites...
There’s Forky, Bonnie’s handmade toy who has no idea what he is or why he’s alive (hilariously voiced by Arrested Development’s Tony Hale), Gabby Gabby the lonely doll, “Ducky” and “Bunny” (fairground prizes with scene stealing performances from Keegan-Michael Key and Get Out director Jordan Peele) and Duke Caboom, Canada’s finest stunt motorcyclist with the voice of none-other than Keanu flipping Reeves! Woah!
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I don’t think anything can surpass Toy Story 3 for emotional heft (If it didn’t break you, you aren’t human) so 4 wisely doesn’t try. It makes up for it with laughs - lots of laughs.
It’s the funniest Toy Story by a country mile, with jokes, puns, observations and Easter eggs coming thick and fast. It’s also quite creepy in places, so beware with younger kids - it gives Sid’s bedroom a run for it’s money.
The bittersweet ending resolves, in true Toy Story fashion, with you not knowing whether to laugh or cry (so I did both in one glorious snotty mess). It was an unexpected twist which unfurls neatly and left me tearfully nostalgic with a huge grin on my face.
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I can’t work out whether we are opening up to a (picking my words delicately here) “new beginning” for the series, or whether this is truly the end of the road for our beloved gang.
If this is really it - allow me an indulgence for a second. This bunch of films has been the heartbeat of the East family for nearly 25 years. The original was my eldest son’s first film and obsession - he’s 25 this year. My cupboards are crammed with more of the toys than I dare count and three more children have since been born and raised on a diet of Toy Story. The simple tales of selfless love and belonging bond and unite us as a family, even now, especially with my youngest, now nearly 11. His name is Buzz.
So thanks for doing our memories justice Pixar, these films really are special to me and so many people.
Toy Story 4 (U)
★★★★★
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