Toy Story 4 (2019)

I think when people see a film that is animated it automatically falls under the banner of a kid film, something bland and entertaining for little kids that outside of that has no real value. But I think that mentality is extremely flawed and leads to studios not trying as hard as they could when making a film marketed to children. Animation, like any form of entertainment, is an artform and should have an artistic value. For every Emoji movie or Angry Birds there is a Rango. But those films never make as much and studios don't want to invest in them. Toy Story 4 could have been a cash in to earn money off the all ready well known brand. But the people involved, Pixar and director Josh Cooley, decided to make a thoroughly enjoyable movie with deep themes and well defined charaters.

Initially I didn't have any interest in seeing the film but as a joke I went with a couple of friends and very much warmed up to it. The main reason for that was probalby how well written the film was. It managed to tackle themes of losing and finding purpose as well as themes of abandoment but still present them in a child friendly and entertaining way. The characters were well written. Instead of focusing on the huge group of toys from the last film they wittled it down to Woody, Bo and forky and gave a minor roll to Buzz. Woody works well as a protagonist and the film provides a satisfying end to his arc over these 4 films.

As it's a Pixar film you can expect the visuals to be nothing to but incredible and they definetly are. The carnival is so vibrant and colourful. However the visuals real shine on the Toys. You can real tell the love and effort applied to each character even in the little things like the suptle wear and tear on Woody or the furry effects applied to Duck and Bunny. Weirdly the Benson dolls are horrifying but I appreciate the attention to detail in the way they move, they don't have any support in their arms or legs so they flop about adding to their nightmarish design.

The voice cast is great. Personal highlights include Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele, they were the funniest part of the film by far and you can never go wrong with Keanu Reaves.

Toy Story 4 is what animated films should strive to be. Entertaing for both children and adults, written in way that is accesible and willing to tell a fullfilling and beautiful story.