Toy Story 4

For the hordes of children, teens and adults that laughed and cried in equal measure while watching the first three Toy Story movies, the fourth film will be just as gloriously enamouring as its critically acclaimed predecessors. Starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves, Tony Hale and Annie Potts, and directed by Josh Cooley, this gripping and turbulent story follows the misadventures of witty and multifaceted toys on a roadtrip with five-year-old Bonnie and her parents. Through all the misfortunes that befall them, the toys try to maintain friendships and stick together, while the audacious Woody grapples with the decision between security and freedom. Despite the movie’s 100-minute duration, the quick-paced, ever-changing yet easy-to-follow plot will delight all ages, with messages more complex than many movies with a similar age demographic.

Although its intended audience is children, the film is anything but surface-level. Rather than falling prey to the superficial, archetypal plot and feigned silliness of many other animated family features, Toy Story 4 touches on issues as philosophical as they are digestible. Refreshingly, characters break free of their “good” and “evil” moulds and follow their own destinies. Regardless of existing Toy Story expertise – or the lack thereof – this movie has enough novelty to surprise and excite even the most hardcore Disney Pixar fans.

Take, for instance, Sporky, an anxious and adorable little fellow, whose ultimate goal seems to be to live in the trash. While providing comedic relief, this character also resonates deeply with those who feel lonely or tightly wound; Woody’s abject refusal to abandon Sporky is uplifting and inspiring. Other memorable characters include Little Bo Peep, a strong and fiercely independent female character; Ducky and Bunny, voiced by the ever-hilarious duo of Key and Peele; Gabby Gabby, an unsettling and upsetting doll; and “Benson,” a terrifying collective of horror-esque ventriloquist dummies. Combined with their expert animation and impeccable voices, the characters bring so much spirit and vibrancy to the movie.

All in all, Toy Story 4 is an enchanting and poignant film that is sure to speak to viewers of all ages and interests. Impressively, the feature avoids the typical disappointment and disillusionment caused by sequels; instead, it is suspenseful, emotive and creative enough to potentially surpass the legacy of its predecessors. This flick will have moviegoers singing You’ve Got a Friend in Me for years to come.

Laura Boyle

Toy Story 4 is released nationwide on 21^st June 2019.

Watch the trailer for Toy Story 4 here: