Claudia Howard

Spoilies!!: Felt as though the screenplay of the film itself was erratically mapped out. There was not enough time, nor the time made to develop an emotional attachment to a) the characters, and b) the obstacles in which they faced at any given point during the film. There was too much time being forced into creating minor character's backstories in order to create some sort of (and what felt like) sheer convenience to drive the plot forward, leaving out the magic and heartiness of what makes up the Toy Story franchise. A movie like this feels as though it should pay homage to it's predecessors, although it unfortunately did not follow through so easily. I won't dispute that Toy Story 4 shouldn't have been made after Toy Story 3, as it could have explored, if not, concluded certain aspects of the franchise that left audiences feeling satisfied and fulfilled. It just felt like it fell short of this goal due to unnecessary side plots and too much of a fast paced script to even remotely/directly confront any of these issues or themes. Basically the film felt like it simply glossed over critical points wherein there could be perfect opportunities created to address them. However, there were definitely still comical moments in the film, as will be expected in a children's movie. Not to mention the few subtle addition of Pixar easter eggs that were very amusing. The film still made for an entertaining and adventurous plot with the return of the rejoined cast from the previous 3 films (minus Don Rickles, R.I.P). And of course I have to mention the wonderful performance from Tom Hanks as Woody, as always. It goes without saying that Pixar make some of the finest animated features that the movie industry has to offer and although I think Toy Story 4 isn't quite as good/the best movie of the franchise, it still has something to offer. Although director Josh Cooley has created a colourful, visually pleasing film with Toy Story 4, as well as the working on the successes of other pixar movies such as Up (2009) and Inside Out (2015), his directorial debut has still been somewhat of a success. He has provided audiences with a much anticipated arrival of a beloved franchise by children and adults of all ages, despite the mixed feedback outcome. And who knows? Maybe there will be a fifth instalment some time in the future in which new adventures are made there are new characters introduced as well as the inclusion of the old ones. Either way, I will look forward to seeing another instalment (whether it be directed by Cooley or any other keen Pixar director) not just because of the thrill of watching a 1 hour and 40 minute film filled with craziness and fun, but because of the everlasting legacy it has left behind.