Four Times a Charm

Rating: 9/10 (22 February 2020)

When the inevitable Part 5 comes out, I NEED to see it in theatres. If there ARE theatres in 2035.
I curse this movie I granted 9 stars out of 10 and barely fell behind #2 as my 3rd favorite of the series. (Seriously, it was so close to a tie with #2, more later.) I know, I shouldn't be mad with a movie I rated so highly and it's not the movie's fault. I just happen to pass out THREE times while trying to watch it. And I even nodded off this 4th time...Either it's the movie's fault or I'm not getting enough sleep...
I DIGRESS! This movie is amazing. But, just like Part 3, it doesn't become amazing until the 2nd half. For both Parts 3 and 4, I liked the movie just fine with some smirks, laughs and "AWWW!"'s from me in the first half, but then the movies kick into high gear to finish off the adventures. Only, this time, in a sequel frankly NO ONE ASKED FOR (including myself,) the last 50 minutes topped all of part 3 by a landslide.
Toy Story 4 reminds us, once again, of the other 3 chapters and then brings us up to speed. Only, now, there's a trashy new plaything and Woody has to spend a large chunk of the time convincing it (Forky) to be the toy "new" kid Bonnie loves. Meanwhile, Woody has to find HIS new place with some old and new friends/enemies. Actually, explaining the plot for this kid's movie is just as complicated as the movie, itself. In fact, I'm shocked in how many characters, plot twists, stories, messages and details are in here for a KID'S movie.
Nevertheless, everything worked. Everyone fit nicely together and the messages were easy to follow and I loved how the arch of Woody's story - it's really his story, after all - plays out. While most moviegoer fans felt enormous nostalgic at the end of Part 3...I felt this was the true story of Woody's belonging. (Part 3's, in fairness, was the end of Andy's story, this: Woody's.)
I wasn't on board when this was announced and then almost immediately released following. It was a great trilogy that ended perfectly. But, I did love how they went one step further to complete Woody's story. Now, I'm NOT onboard for another chapter, but as long as they include Woody and Buzz again, I will watch it.
Just that time, in the theatre. And with plenty of sleep. And sober.
***
Final thoughts: Here are the movies ranked. Keep in mind, for the first time in my ranking, there was ALMOST a tie (#s 2 and 4. They were SOOOO close!!)
1 Toy Story
2 Toy Story 2
3 Toy Story 4
4 Toy Story 3
Quick Recap. When #4, one I DID want to eventually see, but missed in theatres, FINALLY come available on Disney+, I decided on a marathon that opening weekend's Saturday. I did manage to get through Parts 1-3 and part of #4 before, again, passing out. My thoughts:
Toy Story 1 (9/10 Stars,) which has always been my favorite, made me cringe this time with the graphics. I forgot how far we've come from the first Pixar feature length. Now, that said, it still remains as my favorite for my own nostalgia and it did make me laugh, smile and wonder the most of the four movies. In my opinion, it's the most creative, despite its limitations with graphics and BARELY falls behind...
Toy Story 2 (9/10 Stars) is absolutely amazing in the LEAPS and BOUNDS of growth in computer animation. I've heard the stories about them losing most of the footage and scrambling to complete the movie on time and that it was supposed to be direct-to-video at first. It's incredible that they finished this on time, showed how beautiful Pixar could be and that the story, laughs and ingenious ideas could increase. PLUS, it featured my favorite Pixar song (and one of my all-time favorite movie songs): "When She Loved Me." (Makes me cry every time!) This movie is near perfect and if not for a just slightly more creative and fresh original film, it barely makes it my 2nd favorite. Side note: I've hated Jessie for decades now. This viewing marks the first time I not only accepted her, but liked and understood her. Thank goodness, there's no room for hate in our hearts!
Toy Story 4 (9/5 Stars.) See Above.
And finally, but not least: Toy Story 3 (8/10 Stars.) Don't get me wrong with the one entry with a half-star less review than the others. This franchise still remains as one of the best ever with creativity, heart, depth, animation and characters. But, this one didn't do it for me this time. It felt too long with too many endings - a pet peeve of mine. I understand they thought it would be the last so they tried to wrap everything up, but at times, this movie felt like it wouldn't end and while everyone OHHH'd and AWWW'd at the tug-hearted ending, I was like, END ALREADY! That all said, the 8/10 star rating should speak for itself. I really did like this movie, including the heart, comedy, Spanish Buzz and "You Almost Went There!" fiery finale. No discount at all and this series is not complete without watching this with the rest.