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
Need more Toy Story news? Be sure to read this podcast!
I was able to see a very advanced screening of this last summer (was part of a feedback group), while I agree this movie is full of laughs my family didn’t really feel as though this movie added to the original trilogy. Seemed about half of our theater really liked it but a lot of people also looked bummed as well, so it could go either way. Still I look forward to seeing if they made any changes to the movie.
You will not be disappointed.
I can’t wait to see this movie. I’ve seen all the other ones, and they just keep getting better and better. This one sounds like the best one yet!
YES!!! It is the best for me!
We are going to have so much fun watching this with the boys! The other three play on loop in our house, and every time the tv ads come on for this one, the boys get so excited.
I love that!
I was worried there might be spoilers there! There is none! I haven’t seen the movie yet and i can’t can’t wait. Thanks a lot for the post.
No spoilers, no!
I’m glad this ended up being a good movie! I liked the last three and I’m interested in meeting those new characters.
It is one of my favorites thus far.
We already bought our tickets for Toy Story 4. I can’t wait to take the kids. It will be my toddlers first movie theater experience.
Sounds exciting!
We can’t wait to see this movie! We love the whole Toy Story franchise and well, I cried like a baby during Toy Story 3. I’m so glad they’ve come out with another one.
Well, prepare for more crying!
We really enjoyed the movie. I cannot wait to see it again and bring our friends.
Me too!
The Toy Story series is one of my favorites! The kids and I are excited to see it.
It’s such a great message.
I can’t wait to see this movie. I’ve been waiting for it to come out. Going to see it with my girls I’m sure. We are all excited for it.
Yes, they will be so excited!
I love that you said it was your favorite you felt of all 4 installments. That makes me excited to take the kids and see it. Thank you for a great review without spoiling it for others!
It was! Very emotional but funny at the same time.
My toddler is just going to love it! 😀 lovely post!
She will!!
Thanks for not spoiling! This is a great review and it makes me so excited to see the movie!
Of course! I wouldn’t ruin it. Enjoy.
My kid can’t wait for Toy Story 4. He is a huge fan! Thanks for sharing!
Oh he is going to love this one!
I am 100% that this will have another heart warming story. I have been a fan since day one. I think this is going to be a great one.
It is great one!
I love the Toy Story movies and I can’t wait to see this one. It looks like it’s going to be the best one yet.
Indeed!
This looks like it is definitely going to be the best in the installment. We have been waiting and waiting to be able to see it!
Honestly, to me it was!
I went to an early screening and absolutely adored it! The humor was so on point and I agree it’s for kids AND adults.
Wasn’t it funny???
Toy Story has never let me down before, and I definitely did cry after watching the last one. Pixar always manages to continue surprising me with beautiful and heartwarming stories.
You are for more wonderful surprises!
Sounds like an amazing movie! I can hardly wait to take my niece and my family to see it!
They will enjoy it very much, guaranteed.
I can’t wait to see this movie. I’ve been waiting for this to come out. I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing it with my daughters too.
Enjoy it! They will love it.
Can’t wait to see this movie! Thanks for sharing!
Of course!
This is one of the coolest franchises of the last decade. Kids and adults love it.
Yes, that’s the great part that both kids and adult enjoy it!
I haven’t seen this yet because the school year just started and we don’t have much time watching it for now but we will watch it soon for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts of the movie.
It’s still not out until June 21, so I am sure you will have time!
I just saw the interview with Tom Hanks about Toy Story 4 and I can’t wait to watch it again. Totally loved your review of the show
Glad yu liked it! I cannot wait to watch it again.
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.