Somehow I knew that most people wouldn't like it

Rating: 8/10 (31 July 2019)

I saw the first Toy Story in the theatre when I was a little girl; it blew me away completely. I was amazed by the entire experience. I re-watched it as an adult, and was pleasantly surprized by how well it held up. The animation looked a little dated, but the story, heart, and characters shone through. I was eerie about this fourth movie, thinking "How could they keep the franchise going?" I expected the worst, as so many long-lived franchises tend to dim in quality.
I very much enjoyed this movie. It was difficult to watch. Quite sad. I felt so old! It had me reflecting on how much has changed since I saw the first movie. Change and large breaks from familiarity are painful and upsetting. I think this movie was too realistic in uncomfortable ways, and perhaps too grown up for children. The ending is bittersweet, heartbreaking, and I did not see it coming. I immediately thought 'people won't like this!" . I felt ambivalent at first, not sure if I liked it or not. It is stunningly beautiful. It captures some very sad aspects of growing up and aging, loss, disappointment, change, lost dreams...
To sum up: super beautiful, technically beyond well made - next level amazing animation; bright colourful scenery, fun easter eggs, and just everything! So well-made. Very sad; might leave you with a hollow, empty feeling like the loss of something dear, or death...too realistic in its portrayal of pain and difficult decisions and division. This is a hard one to review!