Toy Story 4

Back when Toy Story 4 was first announced, it was met with a considerable amount of disappointment. Such skepticism is perhaps legitimate, given that the last time the studio revisited the world of a beloved classic resulted in the forgettable Incredibles 2. Yet, despite the hesitation that a new installment may tarnish the perfectly wrapped-up trilogy, Toy Story 4 turns out to be a worthy story to tell.

There is a big difference between family-friendly films and family films. The former refers to films that is functionable enough to pacify kids for 90 minutes or so, whereas the latter refers to films that universally appeal to, and often inspires, their audiences regardless of their age. Toy Story 4 clearly belongs to the latter repertoire where it pushes the boundaries of what so-called “kids animation” can be.

In Toy Story 4, Pixar has stayed true to its commitment to innovation, something that is imbued in the DNA of most of the studios’ films. On the surface, the Toy Story films work as a metaphor to teach kids to cherish their possessions but we know the series has never been just about that. It creates a space where old meets new and explores how the two clashes to challenge the very existential part of ourselves. It uses the characters’ journeys to pose difficult questions about abandonment and belonging — what are we when we become dispensable? How do we move on with our past trailing behind us?

While previous installments all share a laser focus on identity, Toy Story 4 provides the most profound answer by far. Toy Story 4 signifies a period of essential transition. As a continuation of story arcs spanning across two decades, Toy Story 4 is a reminder that we are always allowed to rediscover ourselves and find new purposes. One might even interpret this as Pixar’s answer to its own transition in creative and executive power after the disgraceful departure of John Lasseter. In that case, Toy Story 4 tells us that a newer and more promising era is to come.

Toy Story 4 is an ambitious film that will take its audience to infinity and beyond.

(Originally posted on 9 July 2019 @projectunwrapped)