Great risk gives way to great reward - another Pixar triumph

Rating: 9/10 (24 June 2019)

Like many, I was nervous about Toy Story 4. The first 3 "Toy Story" movies formed not only a perfect trilogy, arguably, but also a conclusive and satisfying ending to the journey we'd experienced with those toys. Why then, add another story to that full circle narrative, and risk adding a blemish to a perfect series? Pixar's answer to that with "Toy Story 4" is to go where very few stories, let alone Hollywood movies go, and ask the question of "who are you after your purpose has been fulfilled?" By doing so, "Toy Story 4" is a wonderful and beautiful addition to the series that stands both as a standalone adventure as well as a great epilogue to everything that came before, and shows that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
The deepening of the themes of the Toy Story series help legitimize the existence of this entry, but as a movie itself, "Toy Story 4" also happens to be every bit the fun, warm, and superbly crafted film that each of its predecessors were. The adventure is another fun romp in the lives of toys. The movie is frequently hilarious, and the humor is actually much darker in some places than I was expecting (a plus for adults and things that kids probably won't catch). Pixar's grasp of characters is on full display, with every new addition to the cast not only being likeable, but also instantly relatable and easy to understand. My only gripe with the film is that it feels like the old cast of supporting characters don't really get their time in the sun here. It's understandable when looking at the plot, but unfortunately it lessens the weight the ending should have just a little bit. Despite that, the movie is heartwarming and touching the way every great Pixar movie is.
The final standout for me that I haven't mentioned yet is the animation, which is incredible. I happened to catch the first "Toy Story" on TV just before I headed to the theater for this one, and the way the animation has evolved in the past 24 years is STAGGERING! This movie is pretty much photorealistic, and Pixar uses a number of setpieces that involve both weather and lighting to put their mastery on full display, with stunning results.
Definitely give "Toy Story 4" a watch. If you're nervous because these films hold such a special place in your heart, like I was, I think you'll find that the love you have for them will allow you to love this final entry as well.