More fab fun with Woody and Buzz
ADVENTURE Jessie with Combat Carl
CHRIS HUNNEYSETT
Cert Running time
U The world’s favourite toys are off on another funny and gripping charm-bomb of animated adventure. The basic story is the same as the first three films as Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang try to rescue a captive member of their toy family.
That provides a well-tested foundation for another marvellously rewarding, character-driven story full of life, colour and personality.
Feeling more intimate than the last film, the toys still have to weather a daring storm-blown rescue, a latenight road trip, a very creepy antique shop and swooping fairground rides.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice our heroes, and are joined by Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks and a hilarious turn from Keanu Reeves.
Jessie the cowgirl, Rex and Slinky Dog are also back and there’s an adorable new addition called Forky, who’s very much the baby of the group.
The baddie is a 1950s doll called Gabby Gabby who, with her four
sinister “henchdolls”, designs on Woody.
Woody now carries the air of an avuncular grandfather who’s a bit tired and struggling to find a purpose in semi-retirement.
There’s an even bigger change in his ex Bo Peep, has EVIL Gabby Gabby Buzz, Woody and Bo Peep who after years of babysitting is revelling in her child-free status, with a wide social circle, flash car and plans to travel the world.
It’s all a bit much for loyal, stay-at-home Woody. With cinema dominated by universe-smashing superheroes, Toy Story’s sweet brand of wholesome and slightly scary fun seems almost quaint. But as a parent it’s great to have a film which offers more gentle and innocent pleasures.
The animation is astonishingly accomplished, and there isn’t a moment or a pixel on screen which doesn’t glow with love, care and attention. Woody and little Forky This fantastic film is rich with cross-generational appeal, and maintains the series’ sense of childlike wonder at the world, while also offering a deeply satisfying and emotionally mature experience.