I have a confession to make: I was one of the people who wasn’t really sure Disney needed to make another Toy Story movie. Since the trilogy seemed to wrap up so well, I wasn’t sure where else Pixar could go with the story.
But, having attended several Disney Social Media Mom (DSMM) conferences and hearing directly from the creators themselves, I know that one thing Pixar values above all else is storytelling. I had to trust they would not create a movie unless they felt they had something to say. I am glad to report that my skepticism was unfounded. I really enjoyed this movie and feel it is a good addition to the Toy Story line up.
In typical Pixar fashion, the movie is really pretty. The colors are just gorgeous. I noticed little things like Gabby Gabby's hair. During one of the DSMM sessions, one of the animators spoke on just how difficult hair is to do. They had a whole team devoted to Merida's wonderfully wild red hair.
Some of the questions I've seen floating around about the movie are easy to answer without spoilers and others aren't. I’ll do my best keep this review as spoiler free as possible.
Here are eight things you might want to know before seeing Toy Story 4 this weekend
What is Toy Story 4 about?
It's about an hour and a half. Just kidding. Like the others before it, it's about the relationship kids develop with their toys. It's about friendship and belonging. I also think it's about growing up and moving on. There's a romantic element to Toy Story, a bit of female empowerment and pushing limits. As in, how far will you go to help a friend?Who stars in Toy Story 4?
The original cast has remained, and we have the return of some favorites: Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Tony Hale as Forky, Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Ducky and Bunny, Madeleine McGraw as Bonnie, Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, Ally Maki as Giggle McDimples and Joan Cusack as Jessie.The voice cast also includes Jay Hernandez as Bonnie's dad, Lori Alan as Bonnie's mom, Bonnie Hunt as Dolly, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Emily Davis as the Billy Goats.
Wallace Shawn returns as Rex, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, and Estelle Harris and the late Don Rickles as Mrs. and Mr. Potato Head. Rickles passed away in 2017. The LA Times did an interesting story about including him posthumously.
Is Andy in Toy Story 4?
Yes and no. I feel like if I get into it, I'll go more into the plot than I want to.Well I cry during the movie?
Maybe. I think that will depend on what stage of life you’re in. Parents with young kids will identify with starting kindergarten and the changes that brings to a family.Parents with older kids will relate to what it’s like to move from one phase of childhood to another. Are you a hopeless romantic? Have you ever had to say goodbye your best friend? If so, bring tissues.
Are there Easter Eggs in Toy Story 4?
Yes. I only found two but I know there are many, many more. Supposedly, Toy Story 4 has the most Easter Eggs of any other Pixar film. During the antique store scenes, keep your eyes out for a character from every Pixar movie to date. If you can't wait, Meghan from JaMonkey has compiled a partial Easter Egg list.Is Toy Story 4 scary for little children?
Possibly. If you know your kids don’t like clowns, there are parts of the movie they may not enjoy.Will my tweens and teens like it?
Mine did. The whole ride home he talked about Bo Peep and her character and how it was nice that she had so much screen time. We had a really thoughtful discussion about it and re-laughed at some of the jokes.Should we stay after the credits?
Yes, there is an end credit scene. Several, actually.#ToyStory4 opens in US theaters on July 21st
Are you planning a visit to the parks? I've created a shoppable packing list on Amazon with products we've taken to Disney, or ones we wish we'd had. Click here to visit my Disney Vacation Packing List.
Connect with Toy Story on social media:
Facebook: Pixar Toy Story
Twitter: @ToyStory
Instagram: @ToyStory
YouTube: Disney Pixar
Click here to download Toy Story 4 recipes, crafts, activities, and coloring sheet PDF's.
Disclosure: I was gifted with tickets to see the movie prior to its public release. All opinions are my own. Photo credit to Disney. This post contains affiliate links.