My Movie Review on Toy Story 4

My 85th film review.

Boy, have I been cooking or what?

I'm wondering if I'm either a crazy person or something else, I'll tell you guys that.

Anyway, after finally seeing this movie not too long ago, I'm gonna be presenting my 11th "Thanksgiving Treat" by reviewing "Toy Story 4".

Here's the summary of it:

Woody's purpose has always been the happiness of his child. However, he's been struggling with knowing for sure because Bonnie hasn't been playing with him as much anymore.

However, when Bonnies makes a new toy named Forky on her first day of Kindergarten, Woody makes it his mission to keep Forky safe and make sure he stays with Bonnie, particularly during a family road trip.

After Forky is kidnapped by a talking doll named Gabby Gabby, Woody reunites with an old friend: Bo Peep. Together, they make it their mission to rescue Forky.

Meanwhile, Buzz goes out in search of Woody and Forky, while Jessie and the others stall the family from leaving the RV park.

Will the gang get back together before Bonnie and her family head for home? Or will they be separated forever?

Having seen this movie twice in preparation for reviewing it, I can honestly say that I can see why it's so popular.

IT'S MARVELOUS WITH A CAPTIAL 'M'! JUST LIKE ITS PREDECESSORS!

The direction by Josh Cooley, the screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom, and the story by Stanton, Folsom, Cooley, John Lasseter, Valerie LaPointe, Rashida Jones, Martin Hynes, and Will McCormack, were all amazingly accomplished. Not just because of how character-driven everything was either, might I add.

There was a lot of emotionally powerful moments throughout the movie, many of which are strong enough to tug at one's heartstrings. Especially scenes with Woody. It was also heart-tugging when there was a moment where a child would either discard or fall in love with a toy, such as Bonnie's love for Forky. The part where (spoiler alert) Woody says his final goodbye to his friends was great enough to make one cry.

Not only that, but the film had so much wit and humor that you can't cease yourself from laughing. Every humorous moment and gag presented throughout the movie was hilarious, especially with Buzz, Forky, Ducky, and Bunny.

The animation was astounding. I mean, admittedly I found the change in design with Bo Peep's sheep unexpected and contradictory to their previous appearances, but that's okay. I found the visualization of the film to be as groundbreaking as ever, especially with its colors, the beginning with the rainstorm, and the moments where characters are surrounded by gorgeously beautiful light.

The music that was composed by Randy Newman was as melodiously marvelous as ever. Even after not seeing the other three Toy Story films for a while, I can't help but think that Newman was clearly born to compose for this franchise, and this movie signifies that. Hearing "You've Got a Friend in Me" at the beginning brought back so many memories, and "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" was witty enough to perfectly accompany the funny montage of Woody keeping Forky out of trouble.

Finally, the voice acting, casting, characters, and character development were all as compelling as ever.

Among the most interesting themes that the characters had brought into the film...is about doing the right thing, loyalty, friendship, and finding what one's purpose in life can be.

For example, Forky represents a great many people of today. His creation by Bonnie is very reminiscent to man being created by Jesus, as like Forky was made from trash, man was made by God from dirt. Before Woody even told Forky the joys about being a toy and being with children, Forky thought of himself as nothing but worthless trash that needed to be thrown away. This is reminiscent to what certain people think of humanity as a whole. Those certain people believe that humanity is nothing special, and that we're nothing but miniscule dots in the universe. However, once Forky discovered the joys of being a toy, he gladly embraced it and the love Bonnie was gifting him with, which perfectly represents that of someone embracing God and becoming a Christian.

Out of all of the performances and characters, there are eight that I've found myself particularly holding in high regard.

Tim Allen, Tony Hale, Keanu Reeves, Jordan Peele, and Keegan-Michael Key, and their characters of Buzz Lightyear, Forky, Duke Caboom, Bunny, and Ducky are what I happily classify as the funniest of cast and characters.

The most emotionally powerful of portrayals came from Tom Hanks, Annie Potts, and Christina Hendricks as Woody, Bo Peep, and Gabby Gabby. The developments of each character were likewise among the film's most compelling of elements.

Now if I'm going to be honest, I did find myself wishing that the Potato Heads had more speaking parts in this film like they did in the previous installments. It might just be my nostalgia and sense of longing talking here, but there were some moments with Hamm and Buttercup that I felt should've been given to Mr. Potato Head. Nevertheless, I was happy with how much careful use Pixar made of Don Rickles's archival recordings, and I thought the film served as a perfect dedication to Rickles.

In conclusion, "Toy Story 4" may not have been something people thought that they wanted at first, but it is! It was funny and heartfelt, the characters and voice acting were as top-notch as ever, everything! It's the perfect way to end the "Toy Story" saga as a whole, that's for sure. No need for more installments of the franchise, Pixar, really.

So, I rate "Toy Story 4" a complete five out of five stars.