K.T Simpson
It’s not often that a 4th film in a franchise will add any value to the preceding films, but here we have the exception. In what is a surprising entry to the franchise, “Toy Story 4” is a unique and fun adventure that all audiences can enjoy, and take something from.
Returning to the big screen are our old favourites Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and Jessie (Joan Cusack) – among many other familiar faces. “Toy Story 4” introduces a couple of key new characters to the franchise, notably the spare-no-expense Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) and Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), both being particular stand-outs in the story. Forky is created by Bonnie at kindergarten, using literal items of trash from the bin in her classroom. Consequently, Forky considers himself garbage and continually tries to escape the toys and back into the bin. Unfortunately for him, Bonnie has developed quite an attachment to the spork, and so Woody takes it upon himself to protect Forky and ensure he knows his worth as a toy – and more than just trash. It’s kind of a cute little moral really, but the “Toy Story” franchise is full of life lessons that hit home for adults as well as the kiddies that watch.
Setting upon a roadtrip with her toys in tow, Bonnie keeps Forky close to her chest but during the night he escapes out the window, so Woody jumps out after him to bring him back to the RV. Thus begins the great adventure of the duo trying to reach Bonnie and the crew before they are lost forever. Among the bright lights of a local carnival, an antique store that is sure to give a few kids nightmares and an RV van with many a nook and cranny, the big wide world proves to be a challenging navigation for the toys, as they attempt to get their pals back safe and sound.
“Toy Story 4” is more than just a story of lost toys – while it will appeal to the kids on a level of imagining a world where their toys have a life outside of being just a toy, it also will hit the feels on the level of friendships, chasing lost connections and being accepting of everyone despite their differences. You can always rely on a “Toy Story” film to hit you straight in the feels, so take some tissues if you’re prone to shedding a tear over the ironic amount of heart these toys all have.
The voice cast of “Toy Story 4” are, as always, incredible, and if you had any doubts on the validity of a toy made from a plastic spork – think again, as Forky is a worthy addition to the cast. The familiar tunes of Randy Newman’s music are welcomed with open arms, as what’s a “Toy Story” film without him? The best part of a kids’ film is the nods they give to the adult audiences, and you’ll get that in a cameo from Mel Brooks, Betty White, Carol Burnett and Carl Reiner, voicing abandoned toys.
“Toy Story 4” is a true gem of a family film, providing true heart-warming tales and a hefty dose of humour and entertainment. I’d even go as far as saying this is my favourite film in the franchise – in short, don’t miss it!
