Expect Something New

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2019)

Toy Story 4 was so much fun! I hate to compare it to its predecessors because I feel as if each Toy Story film is very unique from the last. The fourth film in this franchise is no different. Don't go in expecting a continuation of Toy Story 3. Go in expecting Toy Story 4. It's something unique and brand new. While the storyline still had its heart wrenching moments, I feel as if Pixar had more fun creating this summer blockbuster. There wasn't as much pressure on Pixar to get it right as there may have been ahead of the third film, but they still managed to get it right nonetheless. The character development for these new characters was flawless. Each new character was given a solid backstory and the questions that we might have had about certain returning characters were all answered in entertaining and innovative new ways. In addition, this film was absolutely hilarious and by far the funniest in the series. Pixar did a great job of knocking down the fourth wall and addressing things that us audience members have probably asked at some point during the franchise's long history. If you are a Pixar fan, good news. This film is riddled with Easter eggs, but don't worry, I'm not going to spoil them for you. Lastly, I just want to say that I was very touched that Pixar not only dedicated the film to the late Don Rickles (aka Mr. Potato Head), but also to the late great Pixar animator, Adam Burke, who passed away in October 2018 from cancer. All in all, this film was a great tribute to Pixar through its exciting new ways of storytelling, historic Easter eggs, heart wrenching and comedic moments, beautiful score, and of course the characters we all know and love. I am truly going to miss this franchise. Thank you Pixar, for all the memories.