I'm glad they made this.

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2019)

I thought that the third one was an impeccable swansong that wrapped up the saga in a nice little bow.
This latest entry makes the story a cool trilogy plus one more rather than a solid tetralogy but that doesn't mean it didn't justify its own existence.
Furthering the series' main them of lost purpose and obsolescence, they hit the ground running with yet ANOTHER scene that had me tearing up. The main plot shows a very believable new problem for Woody as he (rather admirably) adjusts to a new home and a new pecking order.
There's something rather heart rending in watching Woody do what he clearly thinks is the right thing but also obliquely expose his own fears and insecurities. Despite having undergone three movies' worth of character development already, they really brought it with both the physical and internal conflict propelling the movie in an intelligent way as two estranged friends reunite and respond to the opposite life choices the other has made.
The antagonist is fresh and distinctive and also provides complex motivations and grey morality in a way which completely enriches the movie. There are also strangely erotic undertones between them and another new character (not that I'm complaining).
This truly is a story about Woody. They do try to give all the old favourites the screen time they deserve but the truth is their character arc is over. Jessie provides some logistical support and Buzz some comic relief with a running gag.
All the humour and perfectly executed set pieces are there. I can't think of more to say about them.
There is a moment...I don't want to spoil it but the sense of restrained dread it creates is powerful. In this one sentence the writers of this showed more talent than so many horror movie writers do in their careers. I do love a good horror but they totally get that balance between heavy handed and too subtle. You'll know the moment when you see it.
I felt this was a convincing and heartfelt effort to further the series in a way that enriched it. It is not a cash in sequel, although it is not the masterpiece that the third movie was, it is still a sincere depiction of the conflict between enduring love and our desire to be loved that, if you commit to watching on its own terms, will provide you with the finale to the series that will leave you more than satisfied.