TOY STORY 4 – A Review by John Strange
In 1995, I fell in love with toys who came to life in Toy Story. Woody (Tom Hanks), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles (courtesy of archive sound)), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and, of course, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)! The adventures of Andy’s toys entertained their way into the hearts of America. But as 24 years bring changes to all of our lives, so it has with Woody and the toys.
They live with a new young child, Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw), who has different desires and favorites than Andy did. And new challenges like starting kindergarten without her toys. This is a challenge for the toys as well. How they respond to these challenges is the story, and the fun, of this movie!
There is adventure and there is love. There is laughter and there are frightening toys. There are new characters who join the story bringing with them new and interesting backstories as they join our heroes. And along the way we see fear overcome and heroic deeds performed in the face of almost certain death.
Toy Story 4 is a sequel that is as good as it’s predecessors. From sporks named Forky (Tony Hale) to family road trips, the filmmakers have given us a story for the whole family. But I fear that it may be the last film in this wonderful family series. But I sincerely hope it isn’t. These toys and their stories are too interesting to lose.
Directed by: Josh Cooley
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Jordan Peele, Jay Hernandez, Annie Potts, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Keegan-Michael Key, Betty White, Wallace Shawn, Mel Brooks, Joan Cusack, Laurie Metcalf, Don Rickles (archive sound), John Ratzenberger, Tony Hale
MPAA Rating: G
Selig Rating: A
Runtime: 100 Min.
Movie Site: movies.disney.com/toy-story-4
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
