Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that's Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called "Forky"...
Toy Story 4 is packed with heartwarming fluff pulling at your voice string. With the third instalment wrapping events up more neatly that Bo Peep's glistening china complexion, and causing grown adults to weep uncontrollably, many will approach this fourth chapter with much trepidation. Is this an unnecessary money making behemoth, or does it have substantial purpose to the story and Woody's charismatic arc? Well, the answer is both. Whilst I strongly believe that the outstanding trilogy that preceded this sequel would've created an ever-lasting legacy, there's just something about Pixar's effortless storytelling that made me fall hopelessly in love with these characters yet again. Bonnie, along with her family and toys, go on a road trip to which her newly made trashy "toy" Forky becomes lost midway through. Naturally, it's up to Woody to find him and get him back safely.
The narrative structure of Andy's (woops, I mean Bonnie's) toys venturing out into the wide open world to recover yet another lost plaything, is used once again. And unfortunately, using this structure for the fourth time, it suffers from overfamiliarity. You can scream "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" at the top of your lungs on the tallest skyscraper all you want, but there is no denying that this chapter succumbs to blandness from its repetitive plot devices. Mostly during the infiltration of the antiques store (Sid's house, Al's Toy Barn and Kindergarten) which sees Gabby Gabby (Sid, Stinky Pete and Lotso) attempt to keep Woody for personal gains.
However, and this is a testament to the deities working at Pixar, the colossal amount of pure innocent heart that is injected into these plastic/fluffy/china toys makes the familiar story infectiously charming. Primarily focusing on Woody, everybody's favourite cowboy. Exploring his inner search for requirement and purpose. Developing his overwhelming emotions when reunited with Bo. Questioning his stance on loyalty to children and toys alike. It's a transformational story purposefully written for him. It works! It really does. No longer is it just a study on the human condition, but now a true saga of its own. Owned frivolously and confidently by one loveable sheriff.
Pixar literally took "reach for the sky" and did just that! The whole gang is back to bask in that gloriously animated sun, with a plethora of new memorable characters joining in on the fun. Duke Caboom (clever use of Reeves' voice, I must say), Canada's greatest stunt man was certainly one of the standouts with a hilarious backstory. "Yes we Canada!". Forky, acting as the primary plot device, is a reflection of Woody's impenetrable ethos. However the most intricately designed, both literarily and artistically, character was Gabby Gabby. A multi-dimensional doll that subverts the typical villainous archetype for a sympathetic and understanding motive. Refreshing yet involving, trust the writers to make me tear up to the proposed antagonist of all characters! And yes, the mass amount of characters and intent narrative focus on Woody and Bo resulted in fan favourites like Buzz, Jessie and Rex acquiring minimal screen time.
But it all boils down to that last scene, with every toy involved. The scene that nearly, oh so nearly, made me cry like a banshee. Even reflecting upon it now, is making me smile. An emotionally satisfying conclusion for the entire series. Nuff' said. Need I even comment on the animation? It was sublime. Flawless. Perfection. From the tiniest of fur strands, to natural and artificial light reflecting off of Bo's endearing face, nothing was out of place. A truly impressive and submersible sequence was the introductory rainfall. Blew me away within the first second!
Listen, reviewing these films is just an exercise in expressing thoughts. They will not sway your intentions, because they were already solidified before any review was released. It's a nostalgic series that many hold closely to their heart, and rightly so. And despite the overfamiliarity, consequently forcing this to be the weakest chapter of the franchise, it's just so warm. Like receiving a glowing hug from your grandmother. Woody and the gang make their final outing exceptionally brilliant. And we shall always remember these classic "to infinity, and beyond". Just, no more please. Don't tarnish this perfect story!
