When they first announced Toy Story 4, I will admit I was skeptical. Toy Story is one of my favorite franchises ever. Ever since the first one came out when I was 4 years old, I’ve held Woody and Buzz in VERY high regard when it comes to my favorite Disney characters! It means so much to me that I even had Woody’s sheriff’s badge incorporated in my giant Disney tattoo on my thigh!
I thought the ending of the trilogy was perfect. It’s honestly one of the best animated films ever made, in my opinion. So when they said they were making a fourth movie, I was a little disappointed. It had ended SO well! What if the next one messed all that up? Were we just pumping out Toy Story movies just for the sake of continuing to make money? Still, I knew I was going to see it when it came out. How could I NOT?!
When reviews started pouring it, people were saying it was the BEST Toy Story movie out of all of them. My jaw dropped to the floor. The BEST movie? I couldn’t believe how many people were raving about it! I was even more eager to see it after hearing all this. Mostly, I just wanted to see if all the hype was true!
Now, do I think it was the BEST Toy Story movie ever? Rewatch the trilogy to refresh your memory, then keep reading to find out my thoughts!
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The Story
The biggest thing about the Toy Story movies was that I felt like Toy Story 3 had ended SO perfectly. I thought it was just the best way to top off an epic trilogy, and I wasn’t too excited to hear they were rebooting it.
The story this time around, honestly, did not hold my attention as well as the previous movies. BUT it WAS a very clever way to reboot the franchise. The story made sense – it explored character development with Woody and Bo in a way that fit in nicely for this point in the series. There was a villain, but you FELT for the villain and understood their actions. The addition of Ducky and Bunny didn’t distract from the other characters but was a nice addition.
Yes, I cried. I cried a LOT more than I have cried in other Toy Story movies. But overall, I wouldn’t say it’s the BEST Toy Story movie. I’d say that honor still goes to Toy Story 3. It wasn’t a BAD story by any means, though!
Forky
Everyone has been really critical of Forky. I understand it – it’s a strange choice to make a new toy, and not only that – but one who thinks he is still a utentil and belongs in the trash! I saw a lot of people panicking over this new character, but he really didn’t have much of a role. Once you got to know him, he actually grows on you a lot!
Is it still ridiculous that Disney is selling $20 action figures of a spork? Yup. But was he as terrible as everyone was making him out to be in their minds? Not at all.
Supporting Characters
One thing I was a bit sad to see was the backseat that Buzz and the gang took to Woody in this film. Although, when you think about it – Woody has ALWAYS been the main character of this franchise. Yes, Buzz is a close second, but the first film was about Woody trying to come with terms with Buzz joining the room. The second movie was him finding out about his past. The third was Woody trying to cling to Andy’s youth. This final story is about Woody, plain and simple. So it’s only naturally that the other toys don’t necessarily have a starring role, which is a shame. I feel like all the other characters could have recorded their lines in a day or less.
However, I loved the addition of Bonnie’s parents, and we got to see a bit more of Bonnie’s personality (for example, you’ll find she is a very forgetful little girl!)
Final Thoughts
Kids will absolutely love the newest movie from the Toy Story franchise. Adults like myself who grew up with the movies will also probably enjoy it, but would I say it’s the BEST Toy Story? Nah, I don’t think so. Yet Pixar can tell a story like no one else, and just like their other movies, they DELIVERED a brilliant film. I recommend everyone go see it – even if you’re skeptical. Bo Peep as a kick butt reincarnation of herself ALONE is reason enough to see it!
Did you see Toy Story 4? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to get notifications when I post new Disney content!
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