Disclosure: This post is part of our visit to Walt Disney World provided by Disney, in exchange for coverage. However, opinions are 100% mine.
My Toy Story 4 review is finally here. I was part of a recent Toy Story 4 press junket at Walt Disney World, and as part of that, I was able to get an advanced screening of Toy Story 4. You guys, this movie. This movie is, I think, my favorite of all four installments. It has a tremendous amount of heart, even for a Toy Story movie, and the laughs keep coming. There are a few moments that are downright bittersweet, and I’m so happy I had the chance to get this first look. So without further ado, my Toy Story 4 Review.
Toy Story 4 Review – It’s GOOD
I mean, honestly, that says it all. It’s good. It’s so good. It’s the best – yes, I know that’s not a word. Immediately, we have one of the biggest questions any of us fans of the franchise have – whatever happened to Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts)? I won’t spoil anything. After all, I did say it was spoiler free, buuuuutttt, we get an answer. I’ll say this much, I rolled a tear at the end of that scene. It’s the first scene in the movie, and it told me right away that this was going to be one amazing installment into the Toy Story franchise.
Toy Story 4 Begins
Flash forward to the present, and we find, Andy’s toys, Woody and the gang in Bonnie’s room. I feel like I can share this with you because it’s minor: Woody is NOT the favorite toy anymore. I know, I know, we’ve gotten used to Woody being the favorite, but it makes sense that they would finally depart from Woody being the most cherished toy. In his quest to make Bonnie happy, even if he isn’t the favorite, Woody follows Bonnie to her first day of kindergarten.
This is where Woody meets Forky for the first time. Bonnie actually creates Forky during school, which I found to be a wonderful commentary on the power of childhood creativity because Forky is only a toy because Bonnie believes that he is. Anyway, Forky is born, but he refuses to accept his status as a toy. Rather, he keeps referring to himself as trash. I also found this to be a powerful commentary on self-confidence.
Meeting New Friends
Bonnie and her family set out on a road trip, and of course, she brings all of her toys, including reluctant toy, Forky. As we see in the trailer, Forky is separated from Bonnie, and Woody sets out to save him. Along the way, Woody, Forky, and the gang meet some new characters and some old. Remember Bo Peep? Well, as we saw in the trailer, she’s back, and she is a total rock star. She’s no longer sweet, shy Bo. Rather, she is a strong, independent toy that doesn’t need anyone to be amazing.
Duke Caboom
One new character that made an amazing appearance was Duke Caboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves). Duke is the funniest guy with issues which he needs to overcome. You will love Duke Caboom!
Gabby Gabby
Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks) the sweet-looking doll seems creepy at the beginning of the movie, but later surprises us all at the end. She is continuously eyeing Woody’s pull-string. Check out this trailer.
Classic Toy Story Goodness
Throughout the entire film, I was really struck by how well this movie was made. Of course, I would never have expected it to be anything less than amazing, but they really went above and beyond with this one. Between the unique personalities of the new characters, the touching moments, and the adventure, Toy Story 4 delivers all the goods we’ve come to expect from this franchise while still managing to put a new spin on it.
Toy Story 4 Review Closing Thoughts
First and foremost, go see this movie! Take the kids. Take everyone. Go more than once. It’s that good. There are moments in this film that make you laugh, make you cry, and even make you think. On the surface, it’s a kids’ movie, but underneath, there are some powerful messages about the creativity of a child’s mind, self-confidence, relationships made and lost, and more. It really touched me on a level that I wasn’t quite expecting. The No-Guilt Podcast
Check out the trailer
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i cannot wait to see tOY STORRY ! Its about time they reliesed it – it makes me so happy x
Aww so happy you feel the same way I do!
What a great and compelling review! I guess I’ll have to watch all the parts of this movie. 🙂
YES please do, you will love it.
You surely had a fun outing with your family. Toy Story 4 looks a lovely movie to see with kids in the weekend.
It truly is, I highly recommend it.
I’d like to watch Toy Story 4. Thanks for the fun review!
You are welcome! Enjoy.
I went to a press junket in SF a few months ago and I am too excited to see this for myself. I was a child in the 90s when the original came out so this is going to be special to continue with the story!
Yes, it is an exciting movie.
My kids grew up on the Toy Story films its so much fun to see the new one for the next generation. They are such fun movies too!
They are so much fun for both adults and kids!
Just in time for my hubby’s birthday! This will make a great date night movie!
Yes I’m sure it will.
This movie is on our list to watch! It looks great!
Awesome, I am sure you will like it a lot.