Not good enough to justify a full sequel

Rating: 4/10 (29 September 2019)

Could have been okay 5/10 if not considering the franchise as a whole, which used to be a perfect trilogy before this meh film is released.
Toy Story 4 is similar to the episodic adventures Pixar has done before, except longer and with less emphasis on the gang of beloved characters who are friends with Woody. Even the Woody Buzz relationship, the highlight of previous films, are mostly shunned for other less interesting aspects. The story does not feel particularly strong or special, and it totally doesn't justify the continuation the franchise when the ending in 3 was so perfect. The script is surprisingly subpar, and most of the humor doesn't hit as well as in the last films. The ending is pretty much a retread on themes from the previous films so it did not elicit any strong emotional response from me.
The animation and production value were what you come to expect of Pixar; they keeping upping the game with improving technology. I like most of the new characters. Bo Peep, Forkie and the villain are pretty decent and well thought out. These are pretty much the major stand outs of this film.
No matter what, Toy Story 4 is obviously inferior to its predecessors in a multitude of ways and on every compartment. I don't want to get into the cash grab criticisms, but Pixar is very hit and miss this decade, and it has become a mere shadow of the legacy it created in the 2000s. Now after marring their flagship property, they are finally turning to some original films. Upwards will come out soon, and I will welcome it with eagerness and skepticism.