June 18, 2019

Rather than offering an even more potent ending, ‘Toy Story 4’ ends up being an unnecessary epilogue, offering little to enrich the overall narrative of the series and never cashing in on the actual possibilities it offers. This could have worked if it had explored a new story in the 'Toy Story' universe, and Forky certainly makes it clear that such a move could have worked beautifully. Instead, we have a film that feels tired and forced, lacking… read the rest.

Rather than offering an even more potent ending, ‘Toy Story 4’ ends up being an unnecessary epilogue, offering little to enrich the overall narrative of the series and never cashing in on the actual possibilities it offers. This could have worked if it had explored a new story in the 'Toy Story' universe, and Forky certainly makes it clear that such a move could have worked beautifully. Instead, we have a film that feels tired and forced, lacking in clarity or inspiration, serving neither its classic characters or its new ones, and ultimately never justifying its existence. It’s certainly an enjoyable film, but it’s hardly a necessary one.
- Daniel Lammin

Read Daniel's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-toy-story-4-entertaining-but-thoroughly-unnecessary

show less

October 7, 2019

I very much enjoyed _Toy Story 4_. I thought it was good, and I think it doesn't at all "undo" the perfect ending that the third entry gave us, which was a legitimate fear some people had. What I will say however, is that I don't understand **just how much** most people seem to have loved it. I have seen multiple people say it's the best of the four, and I more think it's the... worst. That's not a knock! This is a **seriously** good series (and … read the rest.

I very much enjoyed _Toy Story 4_. I thought it was good, and I think it doesn't at all "undo" the perfect ending that the third entry gave us, which was a legitimate fear some people had. What I will say however, is that I don't understand **just how much** most people seem to have loved it. I have seen multiple people say it's the best of the four, and I more think it's the... worst. That's not a knock! This is a **seriously** good series (and also I think it might actually be either better than or maybe as good _Toy Story 2_). But I am not quite feeling the **overwhelming** positivity that it has garnered from a lot of my peers.

_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._

show less

October 11, 2019

Dang, is it dusty in here? After what was a near perfect conclusion with Toy Story 3, wasn't sure if this was really needed. I'm glad they did go through with it and although it's not exactly unpredictable, still was highly entertaining with some genuine emotions and a great finale for Woody. Really says a lot that as good as this was, it's still the fourth best movie of the series. **4.0/5**

Don't really want a TS5 but wouldn't mind some shor… read the rest.

Dang, is it dusty in here? After what was a near perfect conclusion with Toy Story 3, wasn't sure if this was really needed. I'm glad they did go through with it and although it's not exactly unpredictable, still was highly entertaining with some genuine emotions and a great finale for Woody. Really says a lot that as good as this was, it's still the fourth best movie of the series. **4.0/5**

Don't really want a TS5 but wouldn't mind some short Toy Story Toons with the group...

show less

June 29, 2020

Not entirely necessary, but <em>'Toy Story 4'</em> still produces goods worthy of being attached to the initial trilogy.

Tom Hanks, I'm sounding like a broken record but..., is still tremendous as Woody, I love hearing his voice in this role. Tim Allen is solid as Buzz Lightyear, but I kinda feel they don't use him - or the other originals - enough considering who they are. It is, though, cool to see an old face return in Bo Peep (Annie Potts)… read the rest.

Not entirely necessary, but <em>'Toy Story 4'</em> still produces goods worthy of being attached to the initial trilogy.

Tom Hanks, I'm sounding like a broken record but..., is still tremendous as Woody, I love hearing his voice in this role. Tim Allen is solid as Buzz Lightyear, but I kinda feel they don't use him - or the other originals - enough considering who they are. It is, though, cool to see an old face return in Bo Peep (Annie Potts).

There are some more new characters and yet again, like in the past films, they strike the right chords. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are, entirely unsurprisingly, funny in the roles of Ducky & Bunny. Christina Hendricks is a good Gabby, while Keanu Reeves amuses as Duke Caboom.

The film focuses on giving the viewer(s) extremely heartfelt moments and for the vast majority it hits as intended, though they do try to tug on the heart too much in parts. The animation is stunning, especially in the early scene with RC.

Is it a thing everyone wanted? Most probably not. Yet is there fun to be had? Most definitely. For a third sequel, you gotta give respect to Pixar & Co.

show less

July 1, 2022

I remember my dad telling me that when I was much younger, I was given a big toy tractor for Christmas, and spent the whole day playing in it's box! This time, it's "Bonnie" who shuns her established toys so she can play with "Forky" - a plastic canteen fork with a few hastily improvised appendages. "Forky" has a few self esteem issues, but luckily, the long-suffering "Woody" and the rest of the gang are on hand to help walk him through his new l… read the rest.

I remember my dad telling me that when I was much younger, I was given a big toy tractor for Christmas, and spent the whole day playing in it's box! This time, it's "Bonnie" who shuns her established toys so she can play with "Forky" - a plastic canteen fork with a few hastily improvised appendages. "Forky" has a few self esteem issues, but luckily, the long-suffering "Woody" and the rest of the gang are on hand to help walk him through his new life. The plot centres around an escaped-laden road trip with "Woody" hooking up, again, with "Bo-Peep" and having a bit of a reminisce. There are plenty of fun adventures, the new characters - especially "Key" and "Peele" - who have a lovely, slick, comedy timing add an extra layer of enjoyment, and there is a script that still delivers plenty of humour and a just a little food for thought. The characterisations retain their traits of loyalty, silliness and mischievousness as we head to what I can only assume is closure for the series. Their future is presented with a tinge of sadness, but also with a considerable degree of optimism as the toys demonstrate that they, too, have grown up over the years. It's a fitting conclusion to this franchise that retains the generous spirit of the preceding three and ends on an high note.

show less

January 12, 2023

I THOUGHT I saw Toy Story 2, I know I didn't see Toy Story 3, and, honestly, that doesn't matter.

What matters is that parts of 4 are HYSTERICALLY CREEPY, not in the child inappropriate kind of way, but still creepy enough to add a decent amount of humor for adults that sit down and watch it.

So, it looks like we are getting back to the 80s and 90s where cartoons add things for parents and not just wine moms, single cat owning aunties, and … read the rest.

I THOUGHT I saw Toy Story 2, I know I didn't see Toy Story 3, and, honestly, that doesn't matter.

What matters is that parts of 4 are HYSTERICALLY CREEPY, not in the child inappropriate kind of way, but still creepy enough to add a decent amount of humor for adults that sit down and watch it.

So, it looks like we are getting back to the 80s and 90s where cartoons add things for parents and not just wine moms, single cat owning aunties, and children. There are actual jokes here that adults in the room will be entertained by, and that is all I ask for in a children's cartoon, throw something in it for the people that have to take their kids out to see it so it doesn't feel as much like a chore.

show less