Toy Story 4, an unexpected addition to the Toy Story Franchise

There has been a lot of buzz (ha), online about Toy Story 4 being a money grab, and that it was an unnecessary addition to the franchise.  Truthfully, I wasn't that excited to see it.  As much as I have loved Toy Story 1-3, I thought the previews were underwhelming.  Well, the kids and I were invited to a media screening for Toy Story 4, and I am here to tell you...it is the unexpected, and needed addition to the Toy Story franchise.  By continuing to read beyond this point you are agreeing to my updated privacy policy found here, and my use of commissioned based links.

One of the reasons that I always take my kids with me to review movies, is that when they are the targeted audience, I want to know their thoughts.  My mom opinion is sometimes very different, and I am looking for other things (like language).  Watching them laugh out loud throughout the whole movie was so much fun for me.  And we did laugh, a lot.

The Plot

Bonnie and her parents are going on a road trip, with her collection of toys.  Forkie, a very recent and unwilling addition, comes along.  After he runs away, hijinks ensue.  I don't want to give away too much, but it is a hilarious romp through a totally new place.

Villains

What starts out as a bad guy, is really just a misunderstood toy.  Even when she is being the bad guy, there are glimpses of good, and ultimately Gabby Gabby is the best not scary anti hero I have seen in a kids movie in a while.  No nightmares from this one!

Bo Peep

She has evolved into a total, and complete, pants-wearing bad ass.  She wields her staff like some sort of mythological hero, and saves the day at every turn.  I didn't realize how much I missed Bo-Peep (Annie Potts)!

New Characters

I know that I already mentioned Forkie (voiced by Tony Hale, better known as Buster Bluth in Arrested Development), but I would be remiss to not mention Duke Caboom (the swashbuckling Canadian motorcycle rider), or Ducky and Bunny.  I didn't think I needed new characters for Toy Story.  At least not so many.  That was part of my hesitation with the previews I think, my brain was rebelling against my feelings about my favorite characters.  The new characters?  They were all funny.  All of them were a good addition.  All of them.

Language and Intensity

None.  Not even a hint.  Except for a couple of intense scenes, I would have no problem taking my five year old.  I am slightly hesitant with her because of the distress that Bonnie suffers in the beginning (over kindergarten orientation).  She will be starting kindergarten in the fall, and I don't want her to think that there is a reason to be scared.  I would say you may want to skip it for now, if you have a kiddo with school anxiety.

Overall we loved it (obviously), and I can't wait for it to join the Pantheon of Toy Story DVD's that live in Thumbelina the van for road trips.  Toy Story 4 opens on June 21, 2019. 

Kid reviews

STANDARD FTC DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that I only endorse products that are in alignment with Stained with Style's ideals and that I believe would be of value to my readers. Stained with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com