The Random Fandom

Alright strap yourselves in cause I’m here to review this film. Yes, I am emotionally invested so be prepared for a viewpoint.

I grew up with Toy Story. I have seen all three previous films so many times. I remember watching them when I was young and I would continue to watch them when I felt sick or sad or anything. I cry every single time I see Toy Story 3. Seriously, every time. 

So, when I heard the news that there would be a Toy Story 4 I was not enthused. I know that sounds strange coming from how much I love these films but it seemed truly unnecessary to make another one. To me, when they announced it, it felt like Pixar was just trying to make more money. And, after watching the film, I can tell you that it was unnecessary, that it mainly tied up loose ends, that it was an opportunity to mass produce more toys to make more money. But, at the same time, I still ended up in tears. 

It didn’t need to be made but it was, and it was made beautifully.

The film started 9 years in the past when the toys were still with Andy. After this, there was a short montage of Andy growing up and growing out of his toys. This was accompanied by the classic song “You’ve Got A Friend In Me”. It finished with Andy giving the toys to Bonnie, Woody reluctantly, placing the story right at the end of Toy Story 3. I teared up a little in this sequence. 

The story actually starts at Bonnie’s first day of kindergarten. Woody sneaks to go with her and helps her where he can and she creates Forky. The main character, Forky, didn’t interest me. The way he was scripted was just for cheap jokes with this character and I felt absolutely no connection to it. This film also didn’t focus on the already established relationships - like those between Buzz, Jesse or Woody. I missed the usual banter between these characters. However, these characters were still there for each other and often ended up giving the most crucial advice that aided in the story’s progression. 

This film focus’ on the concept of lost toys (a pretty self explanatory concept). When Woody finds Bo Peep, an old romance is rekindled and it is this that leads to the conclusion of the film. One of my favourite scenes is where the two of them are on top of a bookshelf and they look at rays of afternoon sunshine reflecting through a ceiling of all different coloured chandeliers. They describe it as being like watching the stars. It was beautiful. They just stood there and the art was amazing to watch. It was a touching scene in amongst the action and it was at this point (spoiler) that I realised Woody would stay with Bo. 

The ending held, at it’s centre, the message of letting go and moving on to a new beginning. I cried for a solid half hour after leaving the cinema. The way they split the group is bringing tears to my eyes now. Buzz’s message that “she’ll be okay without you” to Woody about leaving Bonnie was the start of the final goodbyes. Woody put his sheriff pin on Jesse and hugs were given to all of the gang.

Toy Story represents my childhood and the way it was finished makes me feel as though I am growing up and that my life is not in my control but that it is time to move forward. Maybe this is why it hit me so hard. I don’t know but it did. Toy Story will always have a special place in my heart.