‘Fourquel’ earns its place in superb series
The climax of 2010’s majestic Toy Story 3 seemed like the perfect way to end Woody, Buzz and the gang’s journey.
Why, then, did Pixar decide to go ahead with a further adventure? Was it simply a cash-cow? Was debut feature film director Josh Cooley – who previously worked in the studio’s arts and animation departments – really up to the task of taking on such a beloved property?
Fearful fans can rest easy, though, as this fourth instalment more than earns its place in the series.
The introduction of new toy Forky (Tony Hale) sees Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and their comrades head on a road trip, where they discover just “how big the world can be for a toy”.
One thing the franchise has always expertly done is introduce fresh characters and the hilarious Forky and Duke Kaboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves – an inspired choice) belong alongside our old favourites.
While nothing equals the seat-wrenching peril of the third instalment’s furnace scene in questioning whether our heroes are going to make it to the end credits, there are still tons of feels to be had.
It’s great seeing Buzz, Woody, Jessie (Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and others back; they all have a purpose and – crucially – you can see how much the characters have grown since the 1995 original.
The animation, meanwhile, is wonderful with every scene crammed with a formidable mix of wonder and realism.
The love story between Woody and Bo Peep (Annie Potts) is so touching and tender you’ll be hard pushed to see a better romance in any live-action movie this year.
Overall Toy Story 4 doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the original trilogy; but the fact it even comes within a hair’s breadth is a testament to its quality.
2U
The sequel to the enjoyable 2017 horror goes down more of a sci-fi route.
It’s a clever move that results in freshness and surprises, but robs the flick of its slasher scares.