Toy Story 4

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview TOY STORY 4 (Director Josh Cooley) The opening sequence featuring that torrential downpour was just gorgeous, and so realistic, is there nothing animation can’t do incredibly well now?

There’s no doubt Toy Story 3 was a super, well-crafted piece of storytelling, not good for animation, just good, and I would say #ToyStory4 comes very near to being as involving and as well written. And this one went through some upheavals before making it to the big screen – John Lasseter, former chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios & Pixar stepped down from his position, but was allowed to finish guiding this 4th adventure with Woody and the gang. Rashida Jones and Will McCormack stepped down as screenwriters (replaced by Stephany Folsom) and it was Josh Cooley’s directorial debut. And yet, it all got packaged like there had been smooth sailing.

I loved the dark side of the antique store, despite it not being exactly kid friendly, it was an awesomely creepy for adults. I think Gabby Gabby’s ventriloquist dummy henchmen will become a pop culture reference. But mostly, I was impressed with Forky (Tony Hale) he could have made the whole thing silly, but far from it, his existential trash crisis is both hysterical and poignant. And I’m also glad they got Annie Potts back to voice Bo peep.

T&T the Large Association of Movie Blogs (aka the LAMb) rating: 4.5 outta 5