Toy Story 4 (2019)

One can definitely say it was rather unexpected to still get a sequel to 'Toy Story 3', for several reasons. Most importantly perhaps was the idea that the third film neatly wrapped up the story, with a sound farewell to our favourite characters as they were handed over to a little girl, off to a happy new life of being played with. Needless to say, there was a certain amount of trepidation: would they succeed in making another installment just as engaging? 

Well hot diggety-darn, they did. Which also makes the 'Toy Story'-franchise one of the few that consistently keeps up the quality. That is very, very rare.

The film starts off clarifying something that was almost a throwaway line in the previous one, namely the disappearance of Bo Peep. It's pretty heartwrenching, which gives you a good indication of where this is all going. Then it's back to Bonnie's room, where Woody is one of the toys that doesn't get played with a whole lot anymore. But when Bonnie has to go to preschool/kindergarten, he sneaks on board her backpack and sees that she feels lonely. Through some shenanigans, he lets her create a new friend from trash called Forkie. And this is where it becomes hilarious. You see, Forkie is adamant that he belongs in the trash and will take every opportunity to throw himself in a dustbin. But because Bonnie is so fond of him, the others (especially Woody) do everything they can to get him back. 

On a trip, Forkie tosses himself out the window and Woody follows. Now they have to catch up to the campsite, but on the way come across an antiques' store where Woody finds Bo Peep's lamp. There he meets up with a doll named Gabby Gabby, who has never had a child play with her because her voicebox is broken and Woody happens to have the same model. She also has Forkie at this stage and now it's a frantic race to rescue everyone and get back to Bonnie in time. 

Oh, and they rediscover Bo Peep, who has turned into a badass. 

There's a lot going on in this one, but it all makes sense. Woody and Bo Peep meeting again is extremely unlikely, but this film is so charming, you don't care. Gabby Gabby is sort of evil, but not really. Her motives are given through desperation more than anything else and she is shown not to be bad, just lonely. 

Woody's incessant meddling in order to do good for everyone might seem annoying at first, until you realize the only reason he makes these decisions is because he wants to have worth. You see, the interesting dynamic is that Forkie actually has worth and doesn't think so, whereas Woody has lost his worth and is trying to regain it. Ultimately though, he has to come to possibly the most influential decision of his life, which leads to an extremely emotional finale. 

No seriously, I'm not crying. Not one bit. I just have allergies when I see this film. 

'Toy Story 4' has it all: a return of the characters we all love, snappy writing, tension and adventure, but also hilarious new characters with Ducky and Bunny and especially Keanu Reeves as Duke Kaboom. 

The only thing they now should never ever do, is create another sequel, because after this one, that would be utter blasphemy. They managed to create one after the wrap-up of number 3 that makes sense, now it truly is the end of the line for our characters. And it is darn emotional.