Toy Story 4 | Reached For The Sky...

06.24.2019 – Toy Story 4 is the latest installment in the film series that ushered Pixar Studios in the mainstream. It has been almost two and a half decade with this successful franchise that became the face of the studio that developed it. Every kid in the 1990s and the succeeding generation have grown up to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang. It has been almost a decade since the third installment and everyone thought the last film would have closed the franchise, but for a surprising fourth film, there were still stories to tell about these toys. From the very first Toy Story, there was a progression to the aesthetics and the ever-evolving technology that improved the animation and in that span of 25 years with this latest film some would say everyone would say it never goes old. The franchise has been timeless on its own even though the imagery from the very first one seemed outdated as Pixar was really ahead of the curve. But what makes Toy Story one of the favorite CG animated feature films is the well-written narrative for each film. The evolution and character development that began in Andy’s room to Bonnie’s playroom was not just about the adventured of these toys it was about the film in general that made it timeless.

The unexpected announcement of a fourth installment some two years ago was something everyone was thinking about and personally, the last one seemed to be a closure not only for the toy gang but also for Andy handing over his collection to a very young Bonnie when he decided to head to college.

From start, to finish as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen mentioned in the press interviews this was an emotional film and both actors were right. Experiencing the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, while you get a menagerie of visuals that mostly makes you laugh in-between that define the DNA of the franchise, which is to entertain not only the kids but also the adults too.

In real life, the most constant thing in the world is change and so is how this film was set up that focuses more on Woody’s perspective about life and what all he has left. At the same time, the return of a familiar face in Bo Peep certainly was a delightful sight. But a couple of new characters certainly stole the scene namely Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Ducky and Bunny from the Carnival were both characters was a barrel of laughs. Although the central narrative was about Tony Hale's Forky dealing with the existential crisis it was the scene-stealing toys that made it an interesting film to see.

There’s no doubt what everyone is looking forward to seeing is Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom ever since Tim Allen spilled the beans on his casting. Even though Ducky and Bunny were hilarious it was Duke Caboom that is now the favorite toy that is not seen available in the Philippine retail stores even though there was a LEGO set based on the character’s daredevil exploits the actual toy was something to have.

Overall Toy Story 4 was a rollercoaster ride of emotions that had a progression with all the moving parts in the form of these memorable characters it was the narrative that defined what makes Woody and Buzz unforgettable. It was heart-wrenching and at the same time something to root for “To Infinity and Beyond.”

Toy Story 4 is already playing in cinemas all over the world since 21st of June 2019, from Walt Disney, Motion Pictures distributed by Walt Disney Philippines

Its also showing in Australia & New Zealand also on 21st of June 2019 distributed by Walt Disney Australia & New Zeland.

RATED: A+

NOTE: This film was screened publicly at Greenbelt 1 Cinema in the City of Makati, Metro Manila. This is reviewed with a personal opinion without spoilers not for you to agree or disagree about the views written by the author but to gain insight on his perspective about the film.