There are more direct spoilers in this review than some of my past ones. The short version is that I recommend watching this movie. I never explicitly say it anywhere else, so go watch it. It’s worth your time if you’ve seen the previous movies.
A 25 year-long love affair with an eccentric group of toys may have finally come to an end. I saw Toy Story 4 this weekend, and nearly lost it. In preparation, a few days prior I saw Toy Story 3 for the first time, and knowing there was a future to the story kept me going. Yes, Toy Story 3 had an emotional, bittersweet ending, as many a Pixar movie does, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and knew there was more to come. Now, at the end of Toy Story 4, the gang has parted and I doubt we will see anymore.
The story itself is wonderful. The jokes are well-timed and classier than those in Toy Story 3, and I found the characters to be even more engaging. There is more charm to this movie; Pixar managed to find a way to both bring it full circle, and expand on what made the original movie such a hit for many people. The animation has become extraordinary, bringing even more life (at moments, arguably too much) to the characters. This has the effect of making us feel that the toys have grown along with us. The more we see of them, the finer the details become. The more nuanced their personalities seem, and the greater depth they have. This is reflected in the animation of the movie.
Coming to terms with ones ambitions, desires, and purpose is a central theme of this movie. Woody has always been the character who is slow to adjust, fiercely loyal, and just a tad jealous. All of these come to a head in a beautiful way, as he discovers his role shifting from being the favorite toy in charge of the room, to aiding those who will soon succeed him. He is caught between Bo-Peep, who has found her place in life, and the group of toys remaining with Bonnie, who are still in use. It takes a doll from the same era as Woody, who has never had a kid, to help him understand what he needs to do to be happy, and adjust his purpose.
The conflict in this movie is largely a manifestation of Woody’s own misgivings and character flaws, reflected in those around him. He continues to act impulsively, trying to draw the line between helping those left behind, and supporting those who remain. Each installment in this series has largely been Woody-focused, but none more so than this one. I find this to be a very strong point for this movie, as others (particularly Toy Story 2 in my opinion) get a little messy and off-topic. Although the narrative moves around, we are focused on Woody. He speaks for many of us, and I think this is what makes some people have such a strong connection to this franchise. Woody is outwardly bold, wanting to help, but is often unsure of himself and frustrated with how the world is changing around him. As someone recently out of college, adjusting my own purpose and where my effort is best spent is a challenge, and I’m working on finding my own way through.
When watching the ending to this movie, I could tell how much the audience was being spoken to. Woody’s decision to move on, and Buzz’s assurances that they will take care of Bonnie, is Pixar’s way of telling us that the story is over. Woody is off on a new path, and while the impact Toy Story has made on the world will continue to influence us and guide us, much in the way Woody’s loyalty and love will guide the other toys in Bonnie’s possession, we will be okay. The story has been told, and it was beautiful the whole way through.