It's been nearly a decade since we last saw Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy's remaining toys find a new home to be played and care for during that emotional epilogue of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3". Anyone who followed this critically acclaimed animated film series since the first one stole our hearts in 1995 knows who these characters are, the beloved Hollywood voice cast that brought them to life, and the adventures they have shared with us through the movies and subsequent animated series tie-ins that were spawned because of the franchise's success. The attachment we have to our childhood and the toys we grew up with are the themes that drive these movies - which makes it so relatable and perfect as each installment teaches us the value and importance these play things have given to us and the fond memories born from those experiences.
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines and friends, I got to catch an advance screening of Toy Story 4 last week - and I went in with reserved expectations and bracing myself for what was to come in the newest tale featuring Woody, Buzz, and friends returning. All I knew from the trailers was that there were new characters like a toy fork named Forky who were going to be introduced, as well as the return of a long lost member of the gang in Bo Peep. After so many years and with Toy Story 3 ending the way it did - how was this sequel going to top things off? Read on and find out why I consider it the PERFECT ENDING and of course I will take care not to reveal any spoilers.
Directed by Josh Cooley, Toy Story 4 is a brilliant way to breath new life the franchise. For as far as his life and existence as a toy has brought him - Woody has always made it a point to be there for his owner whether it was Andy or Bonnie, and ensure their memories of their favorite toys never disappear or fall astray. However all that changes when Bonnie's family takes the gang on a road trip, and Woody suddenly gets lost after chasing after Forky - a new craft project turned toy she brings home from school. Soon the journey turns into a reunion as Woody reunites with the long-lost Bo Peep - who has since embraced her adventurous life as a lost toy. Trying to reunite with Buzz and the gang as well as getting Forky back to Bonnie, Woody soon discovers through his adventures that there is more to life than he could have imagined, and it redefines our perception of a toy's purpose in the larger world and beyond.
As a sequel that didn't necessarily have to be made, Toy Story 4 has all the highs of nostalgia and appreciation going for it. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice Woody and Buzz, ever familiar and sounding like they never left the set at all. After being absent in the last film because her chracter was sold away from the family, Annie Potts makes her long awaited return as Bo Peep and shows Woody and friends a new kind of world lost toys live in. That opens up the door to meet new characters - including Tony Hale as the confused crafted toy Forky, Keegan-Michael Kay and Jordan Peele as the hilarious duo of Bunny and Ducky, Christina Hendricks as the doll Gabby Gabby, and the energetic Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom. Hearing all of these guys bring these characters to life adds to the joy of watching this film, and it certainly was a spectacular animated show from start to finish.
I didn't think this particular entry in the Toy Story franchise would end strong, but I'm happy to say that "Toy Story 4" is the great send-off to this nearly 25 year old franchise that has served to remind us that toys are important figures, treasures, and memories in our lives who have their own importance and meaning depending on what we do and how we play with them. Woody, Buzz, and the gang will always entertain the generations that grew up watching them and future ones as well, and this can be the perfect ending to something that started special and just finished strong with nice emotional feels to boot.
Toy Story 4 is now showing in theaters c/o Walt Disney Studios Philippines
Rating - 5/5
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