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With plenty of moments of comedy and heart, there are plenty of reasons why “Toy Story 4” should be the next blockbuster you see this summer.
In the highly anticipated sequel, Pixar brings us back to the toy box with Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang returning for the next entry in the film series.
Directed by Josh Cooley, “Toy Story 4” was released in theaters on June 21. Cooley worked on two other Pixar films that pulled emotional strings, including “Inside Out” and “Up.”
Though it has been nine years since the last Toy Story movie released in theaters, it is safe to say, this film is a worthy addition to the series.
In fact, “Toy Story 4” can stand next to the previous films in the series. Lessons of purpose and change are being shared throughout the movie.
“It’s such a fun world we get to see more of. Andy’s story may be over but it is not the end for Woody,” said Aphton Corbin, a story artist from Pixar Studios.
Longtime stars Tim Allen and Tom Hanks reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz. The original cast members return as well.
The new additions to the cast bring as much delight as they bring new energy to the film. Jordan Peele and Keegan-Micheal Key bring the laughs as Bunny and Ducky. Keanu Reeves brings charisma as the stunt toy Duke Kaboom.
The story picks up after the events “Toy Story 3,” as Bonnie has become the new owner of Andy’s toys. When Bonnie enters kindergarten orientation, she makes a new toy out of a plastic fork and names him Forky. Forky comes home and meets Woody and the gang.
Forky believes that he isn’t a toy despite Bonnie creating him for that purpose.
The rest of the movie is spent watching the antics Woody goes through to protect Forky in order to keep Bonnie happy.
Many fans had their doubts when “Toy Story 4” was announced considering the very solid ending of “Toy Story 3” that felt like an appropriate completion of the film series.
However, with this new story and the return of Bo Peep, Pixar showed us there was more in this toy box than we knew.
“With the reintroduction of Bo Peep, we spent a lot of time figuring out who she is and how can she be integral to the story,” Corbin said. “We already know Woody, now we want to show what’s next for him.”
Bo Peep, who is fearless in this film, reveals where she has been during “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3.” You can’t help but root for her.
Of course, Pixar’s track record has been solid in delivering great sequels. To deliver every summer with animated movies that most will cherish isn’t an easy feat. It takes years to go from story concept to movie, according to Michael Yates, a story artist at Pixar.
“‘Toy Story 4’ took about four to five years to make,” Yates explained. “The length varies, but the shortest time I remember creating a movie is three and a half years.
“You gotta remember it’s a marathon,” he continued. “Things can get worse but you have time for things to get better.”
