Another Pixar Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2020)

For those of us who grew up in the late 90's and early 00's, the Toy Story movies are popular favorites among our demographic. For everyone, though, they've gained a reputation as some of the best animated films of all time and having an impact on children and adults alike. 9 years after their previous adventure, Woody and the gang return to the big screen once again. This time, they go on a road trip with Bonnie and her friend Forky, a living spork that she made while lonely in school.
The way the characters develop in this movie is very well done. Woody is no longer the favorite toy and has effectively been cast in the wayside. Despite that, he still feels an obligation to care for Bonnie and do everything for her. In some ways, it's a movie about getting old and how hard it is to move on. Instead of caring for the kid as he always has, he now has to teach Forky how much toys mean to children and the power that that holds. It's a surprisingly poignant movie. Meanwhile we have Bo Peep, who's been a free toy for years, showing Woody the benefits of living without a kid.
We are introduced to some new friends in this movie. The most important of the pack is Gabby Gabby, who has always wanted to be there for a kid and sees Woody as the means by which she will achieve that. She's a good character because even though she's a villain for most of the film, we still back her completely by the end. There's also Duke Kaboom, played by Keanu Reeves. He's a comic character, and a good one at that. Ducky and Bunny are also like that. It's ironic that Jordan Peele is in this movie given the content of the movies he makes. Unfortunately, with all these new characters many of the familiar ones like Buzz and Jesse are effectively sidelined. Hamm, Rex, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and Slinky are barely present. Are the Little Green Men in it at all?
As someone who adored the first two films when I was around Bonnie's age, I think the ending had a harder impact on me and people of my age than others. Having Woody, Buzz and the gang return was like getting a visit from an old friend you haven't seen in years. With that last scene, with Woody and Buzz realizing they're going down separate paths, was heartbreaking, yet relatable. We've all had those friends, especially childhood friends, who we parted with. We grew up and we parted. In a similar way, our animated friends grew up and parted just like we did. That final "to infinity and beyond" definitely got the tears rolling, in me and I'd imagine in many audiences.
With such a conclusive ending it begs the question: will they make a Toy Story 5? Probably. It would have to focus on one of the two sets of characters now, which could work. While it may seem unnecessary to us now, bear in mind that many people deemed this one unnecessary before it came out. Pixar clearly understands how to run this franchise.