Toy Story 4… where do I even begin? I was so nervous to see this. Toy Story was my childhood movie, I can remember seeing it with my family and watching it countless times at home. The series has become a favourite for all of us, especially our kids. Now, with Toy Story 4, it was their turn to see a movie that would hopefully become a key childhood memory for them! Toy Story 4 was everything we hoped it would be!
Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) 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. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”), and produced by Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”) and Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to theatres on June 20, 2019.
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
The whole crew is back for Toy Story 4 and they have brought a bunch of new friends with them! Forky is the main new friend to join the crew. He is basically like a newborn baby after Bonnie creates him while at Kindergarten orientation. He becomes very important to Bonnie and Woody takes it upon himself to make sure he is there for her. This isn’t new to Woody, he saw Buzz through to realizing he was a Toy and he saw Andy through his first days of Kindergarten. He knows what Bonnie and Forky both need.
Bo Peep is back and better than ever! I loved seeing how the artwork has improved from the first film to now. She’s not only visually improved, but she plays a key part in Toy Story 4. We learn how Bo became a lost toy and how she’s made it through years of being on her own. I don’t want to give too much away, but Bo Peep is amazing. My oldest daughter has already asked if she can dress up as her for Halloween and my youngest wants to be Forky.
One thing we love about Disney Movies is how they hide so many things into their movies, Easter eggs all throughout. While this one is not an Easter egg, it was amazing to spot a child in Bonnie’s class that had a bright green cochlear implant on. You better believe I messaged my dear friend who rocks a cochlear implant to let her know it’s in there and to keep an eye out for it. If you don’t know what an Easter egg is, think of it as a hunt for things that are hidden in the movie. Little nods to other films or things. An example one you will find in Toy Story 4 is the grape soda cape from Up. There are many, many more!
WHAT YOU WANTED TO KNOW
How much did you cry? I was done for with the opening scene. Actually, I think I teared up during the castle scene they always play before a Disney movie. There were several moments where if you are nostalgic at all, you may find yourself needing a tissue.
Any really scary parts? There are at least 3 jump scare scenes that had the majority of the audience jumping in the theatre. Our girls did okay through those, they are 3 and 6 years old. There are certain characters, named Benson, who are ventriloquist dummies and they serve as Gabby Gabby’s henchmen. You’ll find these characters during the scenes inside the antique store. If your children are a bit more sensitive you can help prepare them for these moments and talk to them about it ahead of time.
Do you need to have seen the other movies to follow along? I am going to say yes. This is because Disney and Pixar have put so much in the Toy Story movies. All the movies leading up to this one will help you know who the characters are and what is going on. Plus, as mentioned, there are many Easter eggs hidden throughout! If you have the opportunity, take the time for a movie marathon, or watch them spread out leading up to going to see Toy Story 4.
