Toy Story 4 (2019)

The critic praises Pixar for sustaining near-perfection in a fourth film, highlighting the unforced poignancy and existential themes around belonging and purpose, especially in scenes with Forky and Woody. The animation and mix of laughs, action, and emotional depth are singled out as exceptional.

This outstanding instalment uses the passage of time for a humane exploration of mortality while delivering delightful character animation and frequent laughter. It is a Toy Story film through and through.

Toy Story 4 is the series' rangiest adventure yet, perhaps its funniest, warmed by old movie memories and exploring the pathos of toys keeping their aliveness secret. It remains pretty cool after the emotional wallop of the third film.

The film starts hesitantly but finds its spark on a road trip, showcasing Pixar's visual wizardry and exploring what it means for toys to be alive and take control of their destiny. It delivers laughs, tears, and a sense that a treasured memory has been preserved.

The review calls it the most cinematic installment yet, offering satisfying emotional closure to the franchise through Buzz and Woody's adjustments after Andy. It singles out the widescreen visuals, lighting and organic storytelling for enriching the characters without feeling like a cash grab.

The critic praises the film for blowing viewers away with new characters and genuine emotion around themes of love and loyalty. It singles out the inventive additions like Giggle McDimples, Ducky and Bunny, and Duke Caboom for keeping the joy of toys alive while growing up the story.

The critic calls it an entirely wonderful continuation of the series with wit, imagination, and magic, a fresh yet consistent tale of second chances that remains rambunctious, genial, and old-fashioned in the best way.

The review calls the film a largely enjoyable but unnecessary sequel that retreads old ground while offering charm through new elements like Forky. It singles out the film's weirdness and visual beauty as highlights amid concerns about franchise extension.

The review describes it as a brilliantly pacey and visually spectacular entry that adds nuance to the toys' sense of purpose. It singles out the unexpected emotional depth around love and loss as a strength.

The critic finds this a satisfying and progressive entry that explores themes of independence and life beyond ownership. They single out the detailed animation textures and the new character Gabby Gabby for particular engagement.

The review notes that while not the freshest in the series, the film still puts many grown-up Hollywood movies to shame with its consoling story and strong voice work. It singles out Bo Peep's return as a rogue, independent toy for bringing freshness and action to the tale.

The critic praises the film as a witty and emotional continuation that extends the series' themes of purpose and self-worth with humour and warmth. They single out the kinetic set pieces and production design for standing out.

The review calls the film funny, tender and grown-up in true Toy Story style, centering on the love story between Woody and Bo Peep while noting some elements like Buzz's sidelining do not fully land. It highlights the immaculate animation, resonant themes, and emotional ending.

The critic views it as reaffirming the franchise's emotional resonance and wit, though slightly less buoyant than before. They single out the commitment to the characters' universal quest for love and belonging as worth treasuring.

The critic highlights how the film feels different and unsettling yet delightful, with an unnerving quality that breaks from the usual Pixar mold while still delivering layered emotional payoffs in a messy but generous way.

Toy Story 4 is seen as a strong but not essential epilogue that feels distinct from the tighter previous entries, with praise for the new characters like Forky and Duke Caboom, the grown-up love story between Woody and Bo Peep, and the laughs and action sequences. It notes Buzz's reduced role and less emotional coherence overall.

The critic finds much of the film great-ish, with striking animation, amusing jokes and a sweet yet melancholic story that feels deeper than it is. She singles out the new doll Gabby Gabby as a scary, volatile standout who brings tension and honesty to the narrative.

Despite no real reason for the film to exist after the perfect ending of Toy Story 3, it is another Pixar masterpiece. The winning combination of humour and heart makes it the most satisfying ending to the greatest franchise of all time.

The critic calls it an unexpected delight and the best Pixar sequel since Toy Story 2, highlighting its potent themes of finding purpose in a new phase of life and its balance of humor and emotion.

The critic calls it the best one yet and the most romantic movie of 2019. New additions to the cast enhance the old favorites, with a script that is a hoot and also poignant and human.

The film lives up to the franchise's high standards with inventive, surprising, hilarious, warm-hearted and extremely emotional storytelling. It excels as a character piece about love, sacrifice, change and the meaning of life, with Forky singled out as a brilliant scene-stealer.

The review praises the film's new ideas, humor, and themes around parenting and obsolescence while noting it leaves the viewer smiling and feels like a warm, welcome family film.

The critic calls it an exceptional capper on a near-perfect series, praising the focus on Woody's journey of self-actualization and acceptance after the events of Toy Story 3. They single out the film's exploration of a toy's purpose and the revitalized Bo Peep as highlights.

The critic notes that kids laughed harder than at other recent films while parents faced less intense emotional devastation than typical Pixar fare, appreciating the lighter pathos balanced with fun new characters like Forky.

It may not reach the emotional heights of the third film, but the franchise remains the gold standard in contemporary American animation. The critic praises the adventure, growth, and subtle messaging that disrupts the status quo without returning characters to square one.