Jul 13, 2019
Hi everyone!
I’ll let you all in on a little secret. We were originally going to have a Netflix Original movie for today, and while it is still on the docket for an upcoming review, we had to make a last-minute switch. No, not because Pixar released yet another film and it was scoring well with the critics. At least not just because of that. Once we left the theater after “Midsommar” (Episode #527), One Movie Spouse needed something to cleanse the palette, and I couldn’t think of a better film that would be the complete opposite of Ari Aster’s latest film. Be sure to check out her other, way more light-hearted reviews for “The Perfect Date” (Episode #524), “Wine Country” (Episode #502), and “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (Episode #488).
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Here we go!
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Hello, it’s me Amy, AKA One Movie Spouse. ::mmmmwwaah::
Happy summer vibes to all who tune into One Movie Punch! I’ve been in the theatre for THREE films during the long holiday weekend. That’s a lot of popcorn, free a/c and time well spent with my family. I could have done without the earthquakes, though.
Today’s movie is Toy Story 4 (2019), the animated family film directed by Josh Cooley and written for the screen by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom. Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the gang find themselves on a road trip with their beloved child Bonnie, and her newest handmade toy, Forky (Tony Hale). However, at a rest stop, the toys are separated, and once again, no toy is left behind!
No spoilers!
It’s hard to believe that we were first introduced to Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang in 1995. Toy Story 2 (1999), led viewers on an adventure to rescue Woody from a greedy toy collector. In 2010, “Toy Story 3” had viewers seeing Andy off to college and the toys dropped off at a daycare center and needing rescue from Lotso, a mean teddy bear in charge of all the toys. And let’s not forget... “the claw!” and those adorable little green aliens. I had two questions going into this film: Is the fourth “Toy Story” film worth seeing? And what story is left to tell? Buckle up everyone, it’s time to listen to our inner voice!
Pixar designers have outdone themselves with the animation of this film. From high-fives to action scenes, you forget that you are sitting in the theatre watching just an animated kids’ film. The special effects are amazing, better than some of the live action films I have seen this summer. Seriously! Pixar’s incredible attention to detail draws the viewer into the characters, helps develop the plot, and animates amazing action scenes. I can’t give specifics without spoilers, but I can say WOW! We can chat via Twitter after you’ve seen the film.
The voice talents of this cast are dynamic. We welcome back our favorite toys and meet new toys in the process. It’s part fantastic script writing and part excellent personalities coming together to work on this film. Annie Potts returns as Bo Peep. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele play Ducky and Bunny, who have some awesome plans of their own. I was roaring with laughter in more than one part of the film, only to be shushed by our teenager daughter. Oh yeah, and can Keanu Reeves make any movie more fantastic this year? Yes he CAN-ada!
So, back to my questions. It is absolutely worth seeing this film, and as long as there are toys to be played with and children to enjoy them, there will always be more “Toy Story” stories to be told! Younger fans will relate with the kids in the film, and will allow older fans to experience life from their perspective, likely feeling nostalgic. Definitely pack a few tissues in your pocket as well for the more emotional scenes.
“Toy Story 4” is atruly delightful film in the continuing “Toy Story” saga. Disney/Pixar once again gives us the perfect blend of comedy and drama, for young and old fans alike.All is all, I LOVED this film, and aside from the original, this may be my favorite one yet!This happy gal is ready to re-watch the previous films and catch this one again once it hits streaming services.
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 84 (MUST SEE)
One Movie Punch: 9.0/10
“Toy Story 4” (2019) is rated G and is currently playing in theaters.
Catch you next week for my delayed review of “Music Teacher”, another Bollywood release currently streaming on Netflix. See you then!