Movie Review: Toy Story 4

It's been almost a quarter century since Toy Story was introduced, this story still leaves a deep impression on its lovers. Now, with the newly released fourth series, Toy Story again presents a story that is not only entertaining, but also emotional.

Many viewers who thought Toy Story 3 was the end of Woody's and friends' adventures. Especially at the end of the film, Andy handed them over to Bonnie, the boy who also loved his toys.

In fact, it actually brought Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles and Estelle Harris), Slinky (Blake Clark), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and others into a new adventure.

Indeed, this latest story is not as emotional as its predecessor series, but enough to leave a sense of emotion after the film was over.

Toy Story 4 opens with a flashback of the events of nine years before Woody and his friends move to Bonnie's hands. Under heavy rain, Woody and his flock including Bo Peep were carrying out a rescue mission on a toy.

Long story short, the event also became the beginning of Woody's separation with Bo Peep, a character who later played an important role in this story.

Toy Story 4 then continued to Woody's anxiety because for some time Bonnie no longer chose him to be played. Despite trying to remain optimistic, Woody could not eliminate his sad expression with hope.

Woody, who from the beginning was told to be very fond of the owners, was worried when he found out Bonnie had to start school and could not bring her toys. Unilaterally, Woody decided to go to school and accompany Bonnie to feel safe.

Until one day, with the help of Woody's hands indirectly, Bonnie made a new 'friend', whom she named Forky from his craft assignment at her school. For Bonnie, Forky is a valuable object that accompanied her when she was scared.

As a form of reciprocity, Bonnie took great care of it, ensuring that the toy made from the spoons were always at her side. She even took him to sleep.

But on the other hand, Forky actually feels only as 'garbage' which is meaningless and should be in a dump. Over and over he tried to escape from Bonnie, but Woody made sure it didn't happen.

Until one day, Woody had to chase Forky when the toy managed to escape. Woody didn't want Bonnie to be sad because he lost his favorite toy, like what had happened to Andy when he lost himself.

Unfortunately, the mission to bring Forky back to Bonnie isn't entirely smooth. Woody and Forky must undergo an actual adventure when trapped inside an antique shop called 'Second Chance.'

This trip made them face the miserable character of Gabby Gabby, a damaged doll that a child wanted to have and play with, and his vicious army. But the trip also led Woody to reunion with Bo Peep who now survives in a carnival park and meets new friends such as Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves), Giggle McDimples (Ally Maki), and Ducky and Bunny (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele )

Broadly speaking, Toy Story 4 is like inviting the audience about the self-understanding of Woody's characters. The audience's emotions were stirred when Woody finally understood that not all children would play everything they had. They have their choices, which ones are preferred and needed.

Woody seemed to be on a journey to become an adult.

In the midst of Woody's heartbreak, the new characters that appear will be a refreshing balancer. Unfortunately, their presence at the same time overshadows the other main characters who now appear as mere supporters.

Buzz Lightyear doesn't even appear often, even though he's Woody's best friend. But that's arguably unforgivable when the Buzz character is shown to carry a strong message without patronizing, about how to follow the inner voice. In addition, the presence of Buzz - though a little - complete with hilarious behavior is enough to bring memories (nostalgia). The bond between him and Woody still stirred the hearts of the audience.

The rest, this film as usual still presents bright and attractive visuals and animations. Theme songs like You've Got Friend in Me that bring memories to Toy Story 2 are also displayed.

Overall, Toy Story 4 is quite an impressive sequel that not only brings nostalgia, but also new messages about the world of toys. Coupled with the presence of humor, imagination, and emotion that makes this film quite interesting. For me, Toy Story 4 is enough to dissolve in emotions to shed tears, like the end of Toy Story 3.