Rated G: All ages (might be a little long and slow moving for under 3 yr olds)
At the end of Toy Story 3 in a scene that just might have had me ugly crying The Toy Story toys were given a new home with Bonnie and thus sent into a whole new chapter of their toy lives. Toy story 4 picks up a little while later with the toys all settling into the new life they have with Bonnie and Bonnie’s toys.
While most of the toy crew are happy and loving their new home Woody seems to be struggling a little with his place and purpose. When Bonnie comes home with a new toy she has made out of rubbish and that she adores above all else Woody finds a new purpose for himself, making sure this new Toy, Forky, overcomes his own issues with self-worth to be able to be the toy Bonnie needs.
This new purpose ultimately leads both Woody and Forky into the bigger world on an adventure meeting old and new friends that will empower them both to discover themselves and their new purpose.
All this is done with the typical Toy Story humour, sweetness and as always with a great musical soundtrack.
Tom Hanks as the voice of Woody is annoying and grating to start with but this just makes Woody's journey through the film more impactful showing the myriad of emotions, thoughts and feelings that many parents, and grandparents, can probably relate to.
One new character, Gabby Gabby, and her friends, are a little creepy but their plot-line shows a beautiful lesson about listening to each-other, discovering the truth behind the reactions and learning how to readjust thinking. Keanu Reeves is fantastic as Duke Caboom, a new friend they make who shows the resilience of moving past old hurts and pushing through fear. With all the characters you love and new ones to love Toy Story 4 is a beautiful blend of the old and the new.
If you are looking for a great film to take the kids or grand-kids to this holiday’s then Toy Story 4 is a solid choice. It’s not ground-breaking or revolutionary it is a fun, sweet and enjoyable film that will entertain almost all ages.