Does Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4 blast-off to infinity and beyond? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements in my Toy Story 4 Parent Review. Read on to get a moms perspective on if Toy Story 4 is kid-friendly. And of course, no spoilers.
Toy Story 4 Parent Review #ToyStory4
There was a bit of confusion when it was announced that Disney Pixar was producing Toy Story 4. Didn’t Toy Story 3 have the perfect ending? What possibly could they add that would essentially “complete” the story we already thought was complete?
Then we discovered there was a new toy, and it was A SPORK!! What in the world?! Clearly this was only going to be Disney Pixar’s worst move ever…or perhaps, its most genius idea yet! Toy Story fans everywhere were curious.
The Story
While yes, Bonnie has made a new friend, Forky…this story is really not about him. Toy Story 4 is essentially about Woody, our star Deputy Sheriff. I think this is important, because it makes the story come full circle. Toy Story started with Woody and Andy. Woody and his friends have been on many adventures. But this is Woody’s adventure.
Don’t get me wrong, Forky is a very important piece to Toy Story 4. And oh my goodness does he provide comic relief! Forky being determined he is just trash and not a toy has some very funny moments!
But again, Toy Story 4 is for Woody.
Bo Peep is Back
If you recall, Bo Peep was NOT in Toy Story 3. Hmmm. I love that Pixar gave Bo power. They gave her a story, and you are going to love it. We are shown where Bo went, and how she has become this fierce, independent toy that she is today. She is not your sheepish lady (pun intended). Bo is a leader among her friends, and her character is inspiring for girls and boys to witness. Bo was my favorite character. Aside from her strength, I loved her instant connection with Woody. These two toys have chemistry.
New Characters
Aside from Forky, Bonnie’s beloved spork toy, Toy Story 4 introduces several new characters. In fact, both of my boys’ favorite characters in the movie were new — and they might surprise you, because they certainly surprised me!
Canada’s finest, Duke Caboom is a scene stealer, and I love Giggle McDimples, Bo’s best friend and confidant. Ducky and Bunny were simply hilarious and will have you rolling. Then there’s Gabby Gabby and Benson. Ummm…CREEPY!! Benson is one of the ventriloquist dummies, and he’s really what my nightmares are made of. Gabby Gabby, the talking doll, while not as creepy as the dummies, can still be a bit frightening.
Creepiness aside, each one of these supporting characters has a purpose in Toy Story 4 and makes this final chapter complete.
Lincoln and Avery’s Favorite Characters
I told you their characters surprised me. Lincoln, my 9 year old son said his favorite were Ducky and Bunny. I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised, they are pretty funny. And my Avery? My sweet little 5 year old boy? Benson. The creepy ventriloquist dummy. I kid you not. He thought they were HYSTERICAL. He was laughing SO LOUD at each of their scenes. I honestly thought they were both going to choose Forky as their favorite character. But nope.
Visuals
I feel that because this is a Pixar film you should just automatically know the visuals are going to be out of this world. But seriously. Be prepared to be blown away. In the opening scene it’s raining, and I’m serious when I tell you that it doesn’t look like you’re watching computer animation. It looks so real.
We happened to have a Toy Story marathon, watching all 3 previous films the same day we saw Toy Story 4. It’s really amazing to see how far technology has advanced. It’s stunning.
Is Toy Story 4 Kid-Friendly?
Here it is. The question you all want to know. Should you take your kids to see Toy Story 4? Simple answer. YES!! Toy Story 4 has a running time of 1 hour 40 minutes. The perfect length for little ones. It really went by so fast, but the story was told very well. There was no down time. Never an opportunity for kids to get bored.
Toy Story 4 is rated G. There were obviously no swear words, however, Duke Caboom did use the word “idiot.” I wish they left that out, as it really wasn’t needed.
I’m going to go back to the creepiness factor of the ventriloquist dummies. These have the potential to be scary for younger children. Obviously not mine, considering Benson was my 5 year olds favorite character. But, they are definitely meant to be creepy.
My personal opinion is yes, Toy Story 4 is kid-friendly. However, just be forewarned there might be a few startling scenes for your younger children.
Final Thoughts
The Toy Story films are very close to my heart. They’re so nostalgic to me. I was 13 , a teenager, when the original Toy Story was released. When Toy Story 2 came out in 1999, I was actually working at the movie theater. I remember bringing my two younger cousins, who were then 9 and 12, to see it. I remember being so happy to be able to share the movie with them. Something special to do with just the two of them. Toy Story 3 was released when my oldest son was a baby. Like Woody, I grew up with Toy Story. With each film, a new chapter of my own life was happening.
Toy Story 4 will tug at your heartstrings in all the right places. It will open up some great conversation starters to have with your children. It will leave you smiling, laughing, crying, all with this warm happy feeling inside. Toy Story 4 is the perfect concluding story for our favorite toys…especially, Woody.
Follow Toy Story 4 on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarToyStory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/toystory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ToyStory/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyPixar
Hashtag: #ToyStory4
Grab your family and go see Toy Story 4…now playing in theaters everywhere! Then come back and tell me your favorite character!!
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