*After the test was success, several members of Diamond authority, remain members of Team Blast, Annie, Corporate Driver and Secretary drivers are setting up for their time travelling*
Red Diamond: Ok everyone, its time for our time travelling in order to collecting the rainbow rocks!
Annie: Um, don't you mean "Infinity Stones"?
Red Diamond: Oh, um... I mean "Infinity Stones"! But most of them found in different timeline, which we have to split up in order to find them differently. Understand?
*The group nod for accepting, resulting split into six group, one of them is where Annie is with Sally Ukrone and sadly Corporate Driver (which he forced to be separating from his partner Secretary)
Red Diamond: Are you ready? Here we go!
*everyone jump on the portal that six groups are separating in different timezone. Including Annie, Sally and Corporate Driver sent into time to getting Space Stone, they're in facility*
Sally Ukrone: Ok, we gotta find one stone before going back in our time.
Annie: Alright. *as she's prepared, but notices a VHS tape with a name "Toy Story 4"* Huh, whats that thing doing here?
Corporate Driver: What...?! How the heck did it appeared, this doesn't happen when where's in 2011! And that thing is too dated!
Annie: Yeah,, but there's a TV with VHS insert, which i think i have to talking about it if its worth or not.
Sally: Alright.
Corporate Driver: Whatever, go for it, hope its a bad one.
(Review Starts)
Hey everyone, my name is Annie and welcome back to the movie review.
Over two decades, we're all familiar of "Toy Story", the one that started all of Pixar's career since they used to be with Disney's co-op of effects, but lack of goods before the help of Steve Jobs (Thats right, The Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple). Not to mention, after their success of Bug's Life, and their laugh at Dreamwork's "Antz" for their box-office, its not secret that since we loved Toy Story, there's gotta be a sequel in 1999.
And after 11 years, they released Toy Story 3, a third installment that not only we've been changed, but also adding the drama for what happened to our favorite toys without Andy. And i have to admitted, seeing the ending is really hard to accept our life changing and say goodbye to your old favorite toys, but i never cried, i was just depressed and related. After that, you think that this will be a perfect ending of the series that we can moving on, right? Right???
"Toy Story 4" is a 2019 animated film by Pixar, with written/directed by Josh Cooley, produced by Jonas Rivera and Mark Nielsen, and written by Stephany Folsom, Andrew Stanton, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Valerie LaPointe, Martin Hynes and John Lasseter.
Oh yeah, im sure that from mid-2000's to late mid-2010's, John Lasseter was fascinated to not only work with Disney and Pixar as a chief creative officer, which we expected for his success of his business, but when November 2017 came in, controversies hitting it to reporting that John has a sexual misconduct with various female employees, which he was exposed during the "Weinstein effect" or "#MeToo" trend, resulting him not only leaving the company for his disgusting action, but also replaced by Josh Cooley. And last but not least, we also concerned for what happened to the other characters from first and two, one of them is Bo Peep, because ever since Toy Story 3 came out, she was absent for no reason, right before we finally not only her return, but also her truth.
So, with all that said, will this film deserves one more time, or is it an exploitation to make an unnecessary sequel?
Well, lets find out.
The Story
Since we're in the 4th installment, you think that the story could be either original or maybe using the same story from before? Well, its pretty much the same story, but with a twist, extra development and even a surprised truth.
It started where we go back nine years ago (between 2 and 3) when Woody and his toy gang try to save R.C. who got flooded from the storm drain, while successfully rescuing a living RC car, Woody notices that Bo Peep, three headed sheep and other toys are given away from Andy's young sister Molly. Desperate to get her back, Woody accepted that Bo and other toys will be taken away to other kid and moving on, leaving a sad farewell (Or does he?). Fast forward to two years after Andy donated his toys to Bonnie, Woody and his gang live together for only live in Bonnie's room, but also a new friend like Dolly, Trixie and Buttercup. One day, Woody (despite being neglected) notices that Bonnie was pretty shy for moving to a new school after kindergarten, he tries to help her secretly during art. After picking random stuff out from the trash, it got Bonnie's intention to creating a handmade toy named "Forky" the spork. When Woody arrived back home, he first introducing Forky for a new friend, but it has a bad start that Forky believes he's nothing but a trash, leaving Woody keeping him safe to stay away from many garbage, especially in road trip. But one night, Forky is being thrown outside that Woody is in panic to save him as possibly, not before when after Forky is being captured from antique store from Gabby Gabby, Woody was shocked that his old love interest Bo Peep returns as a nomad adventurous, its up to Woody and Bo Peep to save Forky to bring him back to Bonnie.
Though i find the story is pretty much the same from either first or second film, like its another story about a toy being left outside in order to going back home, but it has some interesting twist, which not only it has emotions, but also give us a new plot element and development, like a surprised return of Bo Peep and even Woody explains his past to Forky that he's accepting to be a toy than a trash, which i like that it gives us a nice heart moment. The chemistry between Bo Peep and Woody is easily the best part of the movie, because after Toy Story 2, we're very concerned for the whereabouts of Bo, but with her return, it made us surprised and very happy for her welcoming return. As for the humor, its always funny and entertaining in the same time, especially for Forky for not only where he belongs to trash, but also like to have a fun adventure with Woody to going back to Bonnie or even searching Bo. Or even the imagination of Bunny and Ducky, even though i may not a fan of them, but at least i did chuckled them.
Even though its rather same story, but the execution works nicely that its more of escort mission, funny moments, heart warming moment and well crafting development.
The Animation
Since this is a Pixar animated film, its always gonna be a great looking film with upgrade? Definitely.
For starter, the design and the quality is another upgrade after the third installment, making it more lighter, colorful and even a newer location that it takes place on road trip and carnival.
The background design is pretty nice for what they presenting from the village, carnival Bonnie's room and antique store, they look pretty good, somewhat real and colorful. Especially with some cool effect like lighting and transition from flashback to present.
As for the character design, the upgrade of the old characters looks pretty good for the more detail and quality for the wool, metal and plastic. And for the new characters, they're also pretty good for their introduction with hard work of furs, more detail plastic and many more.
As for the animation,its no secret the movements what the toys depicting from a smooth animation and the 2D or quick pose animation, which is pretty nice what they move. Of course, some action moments are also quiet impressive for hiding, flying and funny moments.
And one more thing, i also enjoyed the soundtrack that was composed by once again Randy Newman, especially bring back the most signature song "You got a friend with me", it is classic since our childhood, because without it, it won't be like Toy Story.
The animation is always outstanding for the designs, quality and even the upgrade.
The Characters
Before we get the new characters, lets talk about our old fellow toys, its no secret that we're all familiar since the beginning.
First is Sheriff Woody himself (played by great actor Tom Hanks), he's leader of the gang with loyalty, caring and smart. Back in the old days, he was used to be selfish and jealous when Buzz was first introduced when he's boss of the toys. In nowadays, he's more of social, brave and respect to saving toys. In this movie, he's probably neglected and worried for his fate without Bo Peep Of course, Tom is always memorable for his role as a sheriff doll.
Second, we have Buzz Lightyear (played by another great actor Tim Allen), from before, he's always being believed to be a big deal as a space ranger than being a toy, always being delusional and in denial at Woody. But like Woody, he's changed to caring, respectful, loyal and always being heroic. In this movie, he's rather curious when he's questioned about a voice box, which he's trying on his own which is rather fun to see if it works or not. Like Tom, Tim Allen is always did a great job of his heroic role of Buzz.
Last but definitely not least is Bo Peep (played by Annie Potts), from the beginning, she's started as a small character to give a development for a short relation between her and Woody. In this movie, she has a big change, this time, she changed into a nomad toy hiding around the village, despite being romantic and levelheaded, but she's also tough, brave and supportive with other toys. Its no secret that her new look is easily the most talked about in Pixar's history, which is no secret that she's turned into Toy Story version of Rey from Star Wars and she's probably a lot more interest to watch, since she's now a major role in this movie. But of course, Annie is also a welcome return of her role after 10 years (minus her cameo in Toy Story 3).
As for the rest of the old characters, they're rather unnecessary, but then again, its nice to see them again, like Jessie (played by Joan Cusack), who's a fun loving cowgirl, Rex (voiced by Wallace Shawn) is a green dinosaur who tried to be scary, Slinky (played by Blake Clark for replacing the late Jim Varney), who's Woody friendly dog, Hamm (voiced by John Ratzenberger ) is a wisecracking money pig, Mr. Potato Head (played by the late Jon Rickles for for using archive voice) is a sarcastic cynical Potato Head, Dolly (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) is a fun-loving doll, Trixie (voiced by Kristen Schaal) is a Scatterbrained triceratops and possibly Rex's best friend and Buttercup (played by Jeff Garlin) is... Well, a friendly unicorn.
Its really nice to see our old pals coming back though its only Woody, Buzz and Bo are the main focus of the movie, though some like Jessie give a little more appearance.
As for the new characters, i was concern that the new characters would be either average or lame, but surprisingly, they're rather enjoyable.
First is Forky (played by Tony Hale), from the start, he begins as a paranoid and insecure handmade toy that he doesn't believe he's nothing but a living trash, which it explained his awkward start that he has no friend. But as the movie went on, he has a life changing that he became understandable, friendly and probably a comic relief when he can't stop thinking of living trash. And i think he's rather cute and fun. At first, he's paranoid and always endanger, but later on, he's started to become likable what he has to understand how the toys go. Tony did a great work of his role and i can definitely tell he's having fun to play as Forky.
Next, we have Duke Caboom (surprisingly voiced by Keanu Reeves), who's a Canadian Stuntman and he's also enjoyable. He's always being show off for his daredevil with charisma, poser and probably had a hard past when he used to be with old owner. Despite he's just a show-off stuntman, but pretty surprising that Keanu Reeves jumped into the world of Toy Story. Man, 2019 is a best year for Keanu for his successful role in "John Wick 3", his special appearance on E3 2019 and now his role of Duke Caboom. Awesome.
Then we have Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a doll who lives in antique store with broken voice box that she desperately wants to change with new one. Especially for looking at new owner. She's probably have similar persona of Lotso from Toy Story 3, she's started as a cute and friendly girl when she first meet Woody, not before she changed into evil form that she wants to kidnapping Woody and Forky for desperate reason. And she has her army of The Bensons. Though i find her either cute and kinda creepy, but i find her to be pretty average, but at least she's not as forgettable as Carlton Drake from Venom (Yeah i know, im getting too much about him, cause i just can't take him).
After that, we have another comic relief, which is Bunny and Ducky (played by Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key), they're basically the comedic duo of the film. But i find them to be "Meh". Yes, i did chuckle that they did have some fun moment, but they're pretty much there. Sorry Bunny and Ducky, i'd stick to Forky.
And lastly we have Giggle McDimples (voiced by Ally Maki) a miniature police officer and Bo's partner, even though she's cute and sweet, she's rather in full energy for justice as a mini policewoman. But i have to admitted, she's pretty cute as a small figure.
Despite some characters are average for a bit of lackluster, but its always fun for not just our old favorite toys, but the new ones too.
And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Toy Story 4" is a welcome return and a pretty good film that i can say, the story has some great execution for fun and emotional, the animation is always look great for Pixar films and the characters are enjoyable as well (except for some).
So, do i think its a better Toy story film? Not at all. Because though it has a flaws that aside from somewhat recycled story, but its just that its rather unnecessary to make a sequel, "Toy Story 3" had a perfect ending that we expected to be a conclusion, but due to the popularity of the franchise, they made another one. I mean, Incredibles 2 is a well-deserved sequel that we've been waiting after the cliffhanging ending and it was a great film that i highly recommended to watch. I know its unfair for my criticism, its just that it would've been ended as a trilogy. Despite my flaws, its a great film that its a must watch if you're a fan of Pixar.
Though, i wanted to give my perfect 10 rating, but to my criticism that i called it an unnecessary sequel, i had to drop to 9/10. It may or may not be a perfect film, but it is a fun one.
So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.
Thanks for reading, and im Annie, signing out.
(Review Ends)
Sally: Huh, thats an interesting movie.
Corporate Driver: Pheh! Worthless, i'd rather paying Pixar to change the script with my own way!
Annie: Aw come on, i don't think your exploitation would work to ruining the franchise, aside, you've already done with Tee-- *gets interrupted when the TV starts to going haywire with blue electric and the TV exploded into pieces* Wow, what the heck?!
Corporate Driver: Did the tape is dangerous with flame?!
Annie: Hold on... *approaches the broken TV and found a glowing blue shape cube* Wow... *grabs the cube*
Corporate Driver: Is this a stone?
Annie: Yeah, but probably a "Space Stone". Looks like we got one and time to go back in our time. *press the red button to going back in present time, along with Sally and Corporate Driver*
To be continued...
And after 11 years, they released Toy Story 3, a third installment that not only we've been changed, but also adding the drama for what happened to our favorite toys without Andy. And i have to admitted, seeing the ending is really hard to accept our life changing and say goodbye to your old favorite toys, but i never cried, i was just depressed and related. After that, you think that this will be a perfect ending of the series that we can moving on, right? Right???
"Toy Story 4" is a 2019 animated film by Pixar, with written/directed by Josh Cooley, produced by Jonas Rivera and Mark Nielsen, and written by Stephany Folsom, Andrew Stanton, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Valerie LaPointe, Martin Hynes and John Lasseter.
Oh yeah, im sure that from mid-2000's to late mid-2010's, John Lasseter was fascinated to not only work with Disney and Pixar as a chief creative officer, which we expected for his success of his business, but when November 2017 came in, controversies hitting it to reporting that John has a sexual misconduct with various female employees, which he was exposed during the "Weinstein effect" or "#MeToo" trend, resulting him not only leaving the company for his disgusting action, but also replaced by Josh Cooley. And last but not least, we also concerned for what happened to the other characters from first and two, one of them is Bo Peep, because ever since Toy Story 3 came out, she was absent for no reason, right before we finally not only her return, but also her truth.
So, with all that said, will this film deserves one more time, or is it an exploitation to make an unnecessary sequel?
Well, lets find out.
The Story
Since we're in the 4th installment, you think that the story could be either original or maybe using the same story from before? Well, its pretty much the same story, but with a twist, extra development and even a surprised truth.
It started where we go back nine years ago (between 2 and 3) when Woody and his toy gang try to save R.C. who got flooded from the storm drain, while successfully rescuing a living RC car, Woody notices that Bo Peep, three headed sheep and other toys are given away from Andy's young sister Molly. Desperate to get her back, Woody accepted that Bo and other toys will be taken away to other kid and moving on, leaving a sad farewell (Or does he?). Fast forward to two years after Andy donated his toys to Bonnie, Woody and his gang live together for only live in Bonnie's room, but also a new friend like Dolly, Trixie and Buttercup. One day, Woody (despite being neglected) notices that Bonnie was pretty shy for moving to a new school after kindergarten, he tries to help her secretly during art. After picking random stuff out from the trash, it got Bonnie's intention to creating a handmade toy named "Forky" the spork. When Woody arrived back home, he first introducing Forky for a new friend, but it has a bad start that Forky believes he's nothing but a trash, leaving Woody keeping him safe to stay away from many garbage, especially in road trip. But one night, Forky is being thrown outside that Woody is in panic to save him as possibly, not before when after Forky is being captured from antique store from Gabby Gabby, Woody was shocked that his old love interest Bo Peep returns as a nomad adventurous, its up to Woody and Bo Peep to save Forky to bring him back to Bonnie.
Though i find the story is pretty much the same from either first or second film, like its another story about a toy being left outside in order to going back home, but it has some interesting twist, which not only it has emotions, but also give us a new plot element and development, like a surprised return of Bo Peep and even Woody explains his past to Forky that he's accepting to be a toy than a trash, which i like that it gives us a nice heart moment. The chemistry between Bo Peep and Woody is easily the best part of the movie, because after Toy Story 2, we're very concerned for the whereabouts of Bo, but with her return, it made us surprised and very happy for her welcoming return. As for the humor, its always funny and entertaining in the same time, especially for Forky for not only where he belongs to trash, but also like to have a fun adventure with Woody to going back to Bonnie or even searching Bo. Or even the imagination of Bunny and Ducky, even though i may not a fan of them, but at least i did chuckled them.
Even though its rather same story, but the execution works nicely that its more of escort mission, funny moments, heart warming moment and well crafting development.
The Animation
Since this is a Pixar animated film, its always gonna be a great looking film with upgrade? Definitely.
For starter, the design and the quality is another upgrade after the third installment, making it more lighter, colorful and even a newer location that it takes place on road trip and carnival.
The background design is pretty nice for what they presenting from the village, carnival Bonnie's room and antique store, they look pretty good, somewhat real and colorful. Especially with some cool effect like lighting and transition from flashback to present.
As for the character design, the upgrade of the old characters looks pretty good for the more detail and quality for the wool, metal and plastic. And for the new characters, they're also pretty good for their introduction with hard work of furs, more detail plastic and many more.
As for the animation,its no secret the movements what the toys depicting from a smooth animation and the 2D or quick pose animation, which is pretty nice what they move. Of course, some action moments are also quiet impressive for hiding, flying and funny moments.
And one more thing, i also enjoyed the soundtrack that was composed by once again Randy Newman, especially bring back the most signature song "You got a friend with me", it is classic since our childhood, because without it, it won't be like Toy Story.
The animation is always outstanding for the designs, quality and even the upgrade.
The Characters
Before we get the new characters, lets talk about our old fellow toys, its no secret that we're all familiar since the beginning.
First is Sheriff Woody himself (played by great actor Tom Hanks), he's leader of the gang with loyalty, caring and smart. Back in the old days, he was used to be selfish and jealous when Buzz was first introduced when he's boss of the toys. In nowadays, he's more of social, brave and respect to saving toys. In this movie, he's probably neglected and worried for his fate without Bo Peep Of course, Tom is always memorable for his role as a sheriff doll.
Second, we have Buzz Lightyear (played by another great actor Tim Allen), from before, he's always being believed to be a big deal as a space ranger than being a toy, always being delusional and in denial at Woody. But like Woody, he's changed to caring, respectful, loyal and always being heroic. In this movie, he's rather curious when he's questioned about a voice box, which he's trying on his own which is rather fun to see if it works or not. Like Tom, Tim Allen is always did a great job of his heroic role of Buzz.
Last but definitely not least is Bo Peep (played by Annie Potts), from the beginning, she's started as a small character to give a development for a short relation between her and Woody. In this movie, she has a big change, this time, she changed into a nomad toy hiding around the village, despite being romantic and levelheaded, but she's also tough, brave and supportive with other toys. Its no secret that her new look is easily the most talked about in Pixar's history, which is no secret that she's turned into Toy Story version of Rey from Star Wars and she's probably a lot more interest to watch, since she's now a major role in this movie. But of course, Annie is also a welcome return of her role after 10 years (minus her cameo in Toy Story 3).
As for the rest of the old characters, they're rather unnecessary, but then again, its nice to see them again, like Jessie (played by Joan Cusack), who's a fun loving cowgirl, Rex (voiced by Wallace Shawn) is a green dinosaur who tried to be scary, Slinky (played by Blake Clark for replacing the late Jim Varney), who's Woody friendly dog, Hamm (voiced by John Ratzenberger ) is a wisecracking money pig, Mr. Potato Head (played by the late Jon Rickles for for using archive voice) is a sarcastic cynical Potato Head, Dolly (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) is a fun-loving doll, Trixie (voiced by Kristen Schaal) is a Scatterbrained triceratops and possibly Rex's best friend and Buttercup (played by Jeff Garlin) is... Well, a friendly unicorn.
Its really nice to see our old pals coming back though its only Woody, Buzz and Bo are the main focus of the movie, though some like Jessie give a little more appearance.
As for the new characters, i was concern that the new characters would be either average or lame, but surprisingly, they're rather enjoyable.
First is Forky (played by Tony Hale), from the start, he begins as a paranoid and insecure handmade toy that he doesn't believe he's nothing but a living trash, which it explained his awkward start that he has no friend. But as the movie went on, he has a life changing that he became understandable, friendly and probably a comic relief when he can't stop thinking of living trash. And i think he's rather cute and fun. At first, he's paranoid and always endanger, but later on, he's started to become likable what he has to understand how the toys go. Tony did a great work of his role and i can definitely tell he's having fun to play as Forky.
Next, we have Duke Caboom (surprisingly voiced by Keanu Reeves), who's a Canadian Stuntman and he's also enjoyable. He's always being show off for his daredevil with charisma, poser and probably had a hard past when he used to be with old owner. Despite he's just a show-off stuntman, but pretty surprising that Keanu Reeves jumped into the world of Toy Story. Man, 2019 is a best year for Keanu for his successful role in "John Wick 3", his special appearance on E3 2019 and now his role of Duke Caboom. Awesome.
Then we have Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a doll who lives in antique store with broken voice box that she desperately wants to change with new one. Especially for looking at new owner. She's probably have similar persona of Lotso from Toy Story 3, she's started as a cute and friendly girl when she first meet Woody, not before she changed into evil form that she wants to kidnapping Woody and Forky for desperate reason. And she has her army of The Bensons. Though i find her either cute and kinda creepy, but i find her to be pretty average, but at least she's not as forgettable as Carlton Drake from Venom (Yeah i know, im getting too much about him, cause i just can't take him).
After that, we have another comic relief, which is Bunny and Ducky (played by Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key), they're basically the comedic duo of the film. But i find them to be "Meh". Yes, i did chuckle that they did have some fun moment, but they're pretty much there. Sorry Bunny and Ducky, i'd stick to Forky.
And lastly we have Giggle McDimples (voiced by Ally Maki) a miniature police officer and Bo's partner, even though she's cute and sweet, she's rather in full energy for justice as a mini policewoman. But i have to admitted, she's pretty cute as a small figure.
Despite some characters are average for a bit of lackluster, but its always fun for not just our old favorite toys, but the new ones too.
And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Toy Story 4" is a welcome return and a pretty good film that i can say, the story has some great execution for fun and emotional, the animation is always look great for Pixar films and the characters are enjoyable as well (except for some).
So, do i think its a better Toy story film? Not at all. Because though it has a flaws that aside from somewhat recycled story, but its just that its rather unnecessary to make a sequel, "Toy Story 3" had a perfect ending that we expected to be a conclusion, but due to the popularity of the franchise, they made another one. I mean, Incredibles 2 is a well-deserved sequel that we've been waiting after the cliffhanging ending and it was a great film that i highly recommended to watch. I know its unfair for my criticism, its just that it would've been ended as a trilogy. Despite my flaws, its a great film that its a must watch if you're a fan of Pixar.
Though, i wanted to give my perfect 10 rating, but to my criticism that i called it an unnecessary sequel, i had to drop to 9/10. It may or may not be a perfect film, but it is a fun one.
So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.
Thanks for reading, and im Annie, signing out.
(Review Ends)
Sally: Huh, thats an interesting movie.
Corporate Driver: Pheh! Worthless, i'd rather paying Pixar to change the script with my own way!
Annie: Aw come on, i don't think your exploitation would work to ruining the franchise, aside, you've already done with Tee-- *gets interrupted when the TV starts to going haywire with blue electric and the TV exploded into pieces* Wow, what the heck?!
Corporate Driver: Did the tape is dangerous with flame?!
Annie: Hold on... *approaches the broken TV and found a glowing blue shape cube* Wow... *grabs the cube*
Corporate Driver: Is this a stone?
Annie: Yeah, but probably a "Space Stone". Looks like we got one and time to go back in our time. *press the red button to going back in present time, along with Sally and Corporate Driver*
To be continued...
