'Toy Story 4' Review: Quite Possibly the Best Animated Film of All Time

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It’s a big statement there with the title of my review. I’m fully aware of it, and I stand behind it. I was absolutely blown away with this film – as I have been every film in the Toy Story franchise. Pixar manages to create magic with their films, continually outdoing themselves with the complex topics they tackle in such a simple and effortless manner. Toy Story 4 is no exception. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll relate to these characters we’ve known and loved since 1995 with the first film.

Toy Story 4 is the fourth installment in the franchise, and it brings back all your favorite characters from the previous films! It even introduces a new toy, Forky, which will have your heart by the end of his first scene. Forky, Woody and the rest of the gang find themselves along for the ride with a family road trip that presents several obstacles and big life moments for this group. Take a look at the trailer below.

Toy Story 4 Trailer

What I Liked and Didn’t Like

There’s not a single thing I didn’t like about Toy Story 4, and to my knowledge, this is the only movie I’ve ever felt that way about. Every little detail, no matter how big or small, was perfect in telling this story and bringing you back to the feelings that you had when you saw the original film.

While we don’t know for sure that this is the last film in the franchise, signs point to yes – or at least it being the last film with all these characters together. We could still have spinoff’s as we explore the lifeline of each of these characters, and I doubt there’s anyone that would mind that. I’ll be the first in line for a Forky spinoff.

While I won’t get into spoilers with how things wrap up, the adult themes that this film tackles – feeling lost, not feeling relevant anymore, knowing when to let go, knowing when to take a chance, all of these emotions that every human deals with – seeing them explored by characters that older fans have grown up with – and new younger fans enjoy just because the characters are funny and cute… It’s just absolutely amazing how this film can speak to any age.

I’ve jokingly said many times, little kids are going to laugh. They’re not going to cry. Parents are going to laugh too… and then they’re going to ugly cry. I can’t help but think about the impression that will leave in the minds of the kids that see this. And then one day, when they’re old enough to fully understand – how beautiful of a realization that will be that they watched this film when they didn’t understand – and then when they did.

I digress. This movie takes me through the full spectrum of emotions. And it’s beautiful.

Toy Story 4 Review: Overall

Overall, I really can’t rave about this film enough. It will without question win Best Animated Picture of the year, but even more so than that, this will be one of 2019’s best films. And, in my opinion, it’s possibly the best animated film of all time. I’m going to see it again this Friday when it releases. Get your tickets now. They will sell out.

Oh, and stay until the end. The VERY end of the credits. It’s one of the best moments of the entire film.