Surprisingly works

Rating: 8/10 (12 October 2019)

When I heard there was a Toy Story 4 coming out, I had two reactions - excitement that we would get to play with our beloved toys once again and skepticism about a fourth one - I didn't think that it would work at all. So, I put off seeing it in theaters and decided to wait until it came out on DVD. I would have simply borrowed it, but one of my little brothers isn't feeling too well, and he loves Toy Story, so I thought that I would buy it for him as a surprise to make him feel better - especially since he wasn't aware there even was a fourth Toy Story beforehand.
Well, the surprise worked. He really brightened up, which made my day and made me in turn really excited to watch this movie with him.
I was surprised to find that it really works.
The animation is great and you can see how far it has progressed from the first Toy Story. The cast is all back - with some new additions - and are just as impressive as ever. Is it just me or does the cast, specifically the ones who play the original ones, seem to be upping their acting in this movie? The cast for the new additions are perfect and utterly hilarious.
Now, if you have watched the previous three movies in this franchise, you will go to this one thinking you know what message they are going to be trying to tell. Well, you'd be wrong. It completely (or at least almost entirely) defies everything we have been taught about this world. It takes what they taught us in the previous three movies and turns it on its head, expanding on it, creating a whole new world to explore. It brings new messages and themes and plot to the table and it works.
I have never cried or had the urge to cry with the other Toy Story movies, though I thoroughly enjoy them. But, I was surprised to find myself tearing up throughout this movie, particularly around the climax. It handles the climax really well and ties everything all down with a stupendous bow. It packs an emotional punch, and my heart felt like it was breaking at particular parts around the very end - especially with the final line in the movie spoken by Buzz and Woody. While some people may not be happy with how it ends, it's the perfect ending. It's the best decision, and I am happy with it. The movie on a whole - especially the climax - hits all the right notes and really delivers.
Just do me a favour Pixar - no more Toy Story movies. While I love Toy Story 4, I don't think a fifth one would work.