Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4 takes Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang on one final adventure that ultimately leads to a climactic conclusion to the beloved series.

While this movie avoids the (very) dark overtone of the previous one, it instead tugs at the audience's heartstrings with emotionally-charged scenes that evoke feelings of nostalgia and sympathy, among others. The comedy is light and character-centric, along the lines of the previous films, with cameos by Keanu Reeves, and Key and Peele adding to the fun.

I think that the highlight of the Toy Story movies (in fact, Pixar ones, in general) is the precision of anthropomorphism, a fancy term referring to the attribution of human characteristics to non-human things, especially the flaws. The toys (or cars or monsters or bugs) are so very human. They experience not-so-favorable feelings like jealousy, selfishness and hate, making them so relatable and realistic (figuratively). This is in contrast to the commonly portrayed (and also loved) noble, selfless beings, characteristic of several Disney characters or the Avengers (technically also Disney).

Courtesy of Pixar

Now, combining these relatable emotions with the unique backdrop is what gives Pixar movies their charm. They transport you to a world so different, to surroundings that you simply cannot relate to; this is unlike movies where the protagonist is in the regular world. Have you ever imagined yourself to be a film's main, (super)human character? I'm sure. Have you ever imagined yourself to be a film's main toy character? Probably not. Being immersed in this new setting prevents you from having any bias while interpreting the characters' actions due to, say, politics, race, stereotype or any other cause of preconceived notions. When a film is based in the real world, you'll still have opinions about its features beforehand, be it your perception of the place where it’s set and its culture and politics, the actors, and so on. In Pixar films, there is no link to real life except for the feelings. This has the effect of allowing you to not just create a bond with the characters, even if only temporarily, but also to experience their emotions unadulterated. Toy Story 4 has exploited this to the fullest.

Last but not least, credit has to be given to the animation team at Pixar for adding life to these inanimate objects. I love giving the example of the scene in Toy Story 2 in which Woody’s eyes were polished by a fine brush until they were shiny; and to think that it’s in those same wooden, lifeless eyes that we’ve seen the medley of emotions that they have reflected is incredible (of course the animation too has improved significantly since 1999, when the 2nd movie released, but even then it was really good).

I feel as though Toy Story 4 has been tailored to be especially touching for those emotionally connected to the series, those who have grown up watching the films. While the emotional moments are amplified for those attached to the series, even for others, there are some very moving scenes. Furthermore, the adventure embarked on, as a whole, is enjoyable for everyone and, even otherwise, it’s worth watching just to admire the depth of the animation.

As for the ending, well, you’ll see...

Courtesy of Pixar