‘Toy Story 4’ Reaches Infinity & Beyond with Franchise-Best Opening
Once again featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as the voices of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, along with a star-studded cast made up of both returning and new characters, “Toy Story 4” is a heartfelt and hilarious addition to one of the most beloved franchises of all time.
Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” opened in theaters this past weekend to an estimated $118 million domestically and another $120 million internationally – the best opening in the franchise’s 24-year history. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film reunites a group of plastic heroes led by Tom Hanks’ Sheriff Woody and Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear. New to the gang this time around is Forky, an anxious and conflicted spork voiced by Tony Hale. Convinced he’s trash and not a toy, Woody and company help Forky navigate his new life with Bonnie while learning, themselves, what it means to be a toy.
And while the franchise has always been suitable for all ages, it’s also entertaining for everyone as well. The San Francisco Chronicle elaborated on this notion writing, “Twenty-five years ago, animated movies used to be pitched to children, with a few lewd double entendres thrown in to keep the adults awake. Pixar devised something much more satisfying, movies that mean different things to all ages, and that can grow and deepen as you get older. ‘Toy Story 4’ is a worthy entry in this new tradition.”
“’TS4’ is still flying high on visual pow, pinwheeling fun and soulful feeling. And oh that Forky! As voiced by the incomparable Tony Hale, this plastic spork is an animated character for the ages.” Rolling Stone
In between the many laughs and genuine fun, “Toy Story 4” delivers touching lessons on love, goodbyes and being present in your life. Vox writes, “But leave it to ‘Toy Story’ to teach us one final lesson if this is, in fact, the end (boy, does it sure feel like it). ‘Toy Story 4’s’ message to us is that we don’t have to stop loving someone just because they’re not in our lives anymore. There’s going to be a time when we won’t be there for someone we love, and there will be a time when they won’t be there for us. What matters is the time we did share, and the feelings we did, and do, have for each other. Feelings may fade, but they don’t have to disappear. I mean, after all, we’re still talking about these toys, right?”
Joining Forky, new faces include the doll Gabby Gabby, voiced by Christina Hendricks, the comedic duo Bunny and Ducky, Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key respectively, and motorcycle stuntman Duke Caboom, played by Keanu Reeves. This new installment also sees the return of Woody’s love interest Bo Peep, once again voiced by Annie Potts.
The animation is striking, the jokes amusing and the story sweet, though this being Pixar, the tale is also melancholic enough that the whole thing feels deeper than it is. New York Times
The film currently holds a 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and has earned an A CinemaScore from audiences. “Toy Story 4” also earned the distinction of being only the third movie, after “Captain Marvel” and “Avengers: Endgame,” to cross $100 million during its opening weekend this year. All three films are Disney releases.
Experience “Toy Story 4” in theaters now and available from Swank soon.