Another Toy Story movie is arriving in theaters in a couple days… is it appropriate for everyone?

Last week, we were able to screen an early Media Screening of Toy Story 4! Clint and I went into this movie wondering how we’d feel about it because Toy Story 3 felt like such a closing chapter to this trio – we didn’t know if Pixar should make this film. The kids absolutely LOVED it and were laughing and clapping so much during the screening. I kept looking at them smiling watching their reactions throughout. Watching any Toy Story movie with them is such a tender moment, it takes me back to when they both were so young and started getting attached to their first toys.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

“Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”), and produced by Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”) and Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.”

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Toy Story 4 is full of laughter, fun, and friends you love and some new ones your heart will attach too immediately. The bad toys in this movie are a bit creepy.

You can expect to see a some of the usual main characters take back seat this time. This usual beloved gang is in Toy Story 4 but their roles aren’t as prevalent and the new character’s journey are fun, exciting, and have that toy nostalgia magic Toy Story is known for.

Some of the new characters may just be your new favorite! Duke Caboom, the Canadian action figure will have you smiling from the minute you see his larger-than-life smile framed by his ginormous handlebar mustache. I loved every scene with him; Keanu Reeves was the perfect voice for him.

WHAT I LOVED:

I loved that in this movie Forky was created by Bonnie. Whether you’re a parent and have a child who has brought home a craft they proudly made or you can remember a craft you once made, this character’s idea is genius. Forky is definitely hilarious and fun to watch but just the idea behind him is precious and something I was stuck on. Both my littles have brought crafts home from school and been attached. Our son has a drawing he did of “Kirby” in his room, that for a while, he would carry everywhere, so Kirby could see him. Forky’s character is an important reminder to acknowledge every child’s creativity, encourage it, support it, and love it.


I loved all the little Easter eggs in this film; and specifically to the Disney-PIXAR movie, UP! We spotted a few of them and couldn’t be more delighted to see them. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I think they are making a sequel to our beloved movie. UP was left open-ended and we don’t think Carl and Russel’s adventure/story is over. “There I said it.” – Russel

Bo Peep was my favorite character in this movie. Her role in this one was everything. I kept looking over at my daughter to see her reaction. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll stop here.

Bo
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CAN YOUR LITTLE WILDERNESS EXPLORERS SEE THIS MOVIE:

Toy Story 4 is for all ages. This movie will have kids of all ages laughing and smiling for a lot of the movie. I even heard some clapping during some of it!

As far as the darker scenes in the movie, every Pixar movie has them. Toy Story 4’s “bad guy” toy characters are a little creepy! In fact, I had to cover my daughter’s eyes for some of the scenes because they hit her scare-factor exactly and I needed to protect her mind and distract her. (Think creepy doll, so if you have a little one with this specific fear, be prepared to do something during these scenes or have a talk beforehand.)

Besides that, they LOVED it and I think everyone will adore it too!

SO, DID I GIVE 5 OUT OF 5 BALLOONS:

Toy Story 4 received 4.5 balloons from me. It’s a fun summer movie that will make you think about others’ feelings and why you do the things you do. Do you do something because you always have? Do you do something because that’s what everyone else does? What would bring you joy? If you’re a parent, it will also make you think about the importance of your children’s toys and what they hold dear to them, whether that is an actual store-bought toy or one they created.

Overall, even though we personally loved how Toy Story 3 ended and felt it could have stopped there, Toy Story 4 is well done with some lovely life-thinking points for parents, how you value yourself and if you should do a self check on what brings you joy, and even if your life isn’t going just as you planned – a new adventure may come your way, be open for it, your family is there for you.

Stay until the VERY END of the credits – it’s a Pixar movie, there’s a fun gem there!