Toy Story 4 Goes to Infinity and Beyond

“Toy Story 4” is the unexpected fourth installment in the extremely successful “Toy Story” franchise from Disney and Pixar. With how perfectly “Toy Story 3” ended the original trilogy back in 2010, it seemed very much unlikely that another film would follow. But now that a new film has been released, how does it fare out? Is it a natural continuation of where the story left off? Or does it feel like an unneeded sequel made for the sole purpose of greed?

Taking place sometime after “Toy Story 3,” Bonnie is still the sole owner of Andy’s toys. During orientation day at kindergarten, Bonnie makes a new toy out of a spork and other art supplies, which she names Forky. Having started out as something meant to be thrown away, Forky constantly tries to do so, with Woody always having to save him. While Bonnie and her family go out for a family road trip, Woody and Forky end up getting separated from their friends, leading them on a journey to get back. Eventually, they make their way to a carnival, as well as an antique store where Woody meets his old friend, Bo Peep.

This could have easily felt like an unneeded sequel with a phoned in plot that has no overall impact on the overarching story, almost like an episode of a TV show. A good comparison piece would be “Shrek Forever After,” which was a fourth installment that felt so unnecessary after the initial trilogy ended on a good enough note. Thankfully, that isn’t the case here, as the plot of “Toy Story 4” feels just as meaningful and engaging as the previous films; basically serving as an unexpected, but welcome epilogue to where the original trilogy initially wrapped up.

While the overarching story between the toys and Andy has been finished, there’s actually quite a bit left to be told in terms of Woody’s character growth. Having moved on from his previous owner to Bonnie, and now also having to make sure that she lives a happy life by keeping Forky safe, Woody begins to question his purpose in life after all he’s been through over the many years of his existence. Basically, what is there left to do after going through so much? Woody’s character arc, as well as his relationship with Bo Peep, is the overall heart of the movie; and is also the best development Woody has gotten as a character since “Toy Story 2.”

Those who weren’t exactly the biggest fans of some of the darker and more intense moments in “Toy Story 3” will be happy to know that “Toy Story 4” goes for a much more lighthearted and fun tone; although there are a few horror movie elements present, such as a gang of ventriloquist dummies who chase Woody and friends around the antique store. Despite that, there’s still plenty of exciting adventure and humor to keep things fun. In fact, this may actually be the funniest out of all the “Toy Story” movies, as there are many humorous scenarios and even more clever bits of snappy dialogue than usual. There’s plenty of great comedy onscreen that’ll have both kids and adults in stitches. 

The film does a good job at introducing new characters and making them just as fun and likable as the older ones. Forky is not only an entertaining and sympathetic character in his own right, but also serves as a gateway to a new concept for the series; that being how exactly does an inanimate object deal with the fact that he’s now a toy? Comedy duo, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele shine as Ducky and Bunny; two hilarious stuffed animals that join Woody and friends on their adventure. Also along for the ride is Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom; a Canadian stuntman biker toy who can make impressive jumps when needed to.

Then there’s the primary antagonist, Gabby Gabby; a vintage baby doll who Woody comes across at the antique store. Much like other “Toy Story” bad guys including The Prospector from “Toy Story 2” or Lotso from “Toy Story 3,” Gabby has a tragic past which feeds into the motivation for her overall plan. But what makes her different compared those characters is that she doesn’t exactly come across as a mean or despicable character. Even though Gabby’s ways of trying to complete her objective are somewhat aggressive or threatening, her overall goal is understandable enough to where audiences may end up siding with her. It’s because of this that Gabby may be the most interesting out of all the “Toy Story” villains. 

The only element of “Toy Story 4” that may be considered disappointing is that due to the focus mostly being on Woody, Bo Peep, and the other new characters, there isn’t as much time dedicated to more of the older characters. Some of the older toys like Rex, Hamm, Slinky, and Jessie aren’t given as much screentime. Though at least the new characters introduced are interesting and likable enough to where this isn’t as big an issue as it could have been. 

“Toy Story 4” could have easily been an unnecessary addition to an already perfect trilogy of films; but thankfully it manages to be a surprisingly great continuation with an engaging story, likable old and new characters, and a good sense of humor. As for how it ranks amongst the other films in the series, that’s a tough argument; as very much all of the “Toy Story” movies are great in their own right. What can be said though, is that “Toy Story 4” is a great film, and a much needed good movie in what’s been a dry spell of a summer movie season so far. Give it a watch, and go to infinity and beyond.