Jumping the Shark: A Pixar Story

Rating: 7/10 (2 July 2019)

Batman & Robin. Shrek Forever After. Spy Kids 4. These are a handful of examples where a studio puts their back into a trilogy, and then releases a forgettable, unnecessary, lackluster fourth entry. As it tends to go, most franchises eventually run out of fuel - it's enormously difficult to maintain quality with each successive release given budget restraints, popular demand, and changes in cast/crew. The good news is that as far as fourquels go, Toy Story 4 is far and above the majority. The bad news is that it's just not as good as the first three.
The magic of Toy Story is unparalleled, and there's a reason there is a market for it despite the original film being released nearly 25 years ago. Through the first trilogy we follow a band of unique and empathetic toys who deal with themes of loyalty, change, and self-confidence. Even after so many years the original film is such a joy to watch, and the third film wrapped up the characters' story in such a beautiful and satisfying way that it genuinely defied expectations. We got to witness all our favorite toys experience sudden turmoil in their lives and persevere through immense uncertainty; we also laughed, cheered and wept possibly more than either of the first two films. It was nominated for Best Picture for God's sake - that doesn't happen for animated films. It's safe to say Pixar absolutely nailed it.
Then the world got word of a follow-up, and expectations ran extremely high. Rightfully so, in my opinion, after such a strong finale nine years prior. We wondered if they would tell a story which takes place during some other time before the events of TS3, or if they would explore new and intriguing themes, or introduce fresh and fun characters. One of the three proved to be true. It's a new story, following soon after the events of the third film, and it is extraordinarily colorful and creative. But the great things about TS4 don't end at the setting; we reunite with an older character who introduces a new lifestyle, the animation is gorgeous, and the comedy, for which Pixar is usually known (though not as much lately), is ubiquitous. I loved the new cast and I enjoyed Woody's relationship with Bo Peep. I even liked the storyline in the antique shop, as obvious as the outcome was. The magic was present. The voice actors were excellent.
But as fun as it was, this movie is easily the worst in the series. I mentioned that it achieved only one of the three expectations - fresh and exciting characters. As for new themes, there really weren't any, and we instead retread over old motifs such as a sense of belonging, loyalty to your friends (and your kid), and, yes, consciousness as a toy. People may argue that the new character "Forky", who was crafted by a toddler, brings up new subject matter regarding existence; but Sid did this in the original Toy Story with his "Island of Dr. Moreau" creations. The conclusion of Forky's storyline is simply that he is a toy whether he likes it or not and that his purpose is to make a child happy - you know, like in TS2 when Jessie and Bullseye realize they can do the same for Andy. There is nothing really new here.
Finally, there is the simple and honest mistake of continuing the story after the events of the previous film. Instead of going a different direction and telling a delineated tale, they follow up with Bonnie, and it just does not have the same emotional impact as before. The shark, as they say, had already been jumped; the giant claw already saved the toys from mortal peril in the fiery trash pit in 2010. This movie feels like a soft, safe return to the familiar world, but with no real stakes, and no real new ideas, and far less of a connection. I liked it, but that's just it - there's not enough love. Whereas people still talk about Toy Story 3 today, I think this will quickly be forgotten. If we see a 5th film, here's to hoping they bring something different, and memorable, to the table.
6.5/10