"Toy Story 4" Hits Close to Home

Official Poster for “Toy Story 4.” (Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar)

By Keisha Paul

Pixar released the latest installment of the “Toy Story” series on June 11,2019. Based on a screenplay by Andrew Stanton, the film acts as a continuation of “Toy Story 3.”It was directed by Josh Cooley, known for movies, such as “Up,” “The Incredibles,” and “Inside Out.” Cooley told Los Angeles Times in an interview that a fifth “Toy Story”movie has not been discussed yet.

The movie serves as a heartwarming reminder that support from strangers or friends can make anyone feel more comfortable in unpleasant situations. It picks up where “Toy Story 3” left off, when Andy, now 17 and moving away for college, decides to give his toys away to a new character named Bonnie. As “Toy Story 4” begins, it becomes clear that 5-year-old Bonnie plays with most of her toys and not Woody, who waits for Bonnie to play with him again, while other neglected toys comfort him. 

This sets the stage for the movie’s recurring theme of self-reflection, acceptance and inner growth. Forced to realize that he’s no longer the favorite toy, Woody makes it his new purpose to make Bonnie happy by convincing her new toy to stay with them. As the plot unfolds, Woody becomes a guide and helper to Bonnie and other toys new and old.

Other scenes show characters like Little Bo Peep, Buzz Lightyear and a new character, Gabby Gabby, undergoing their own self-discovery and helping each other along the way. Little Bo Peep was given away to an antique shop in previous episodes, and had to learn how to live away fromWoody, who she now runs into after escaping the shop. Despite enjoying her new life as a lost toy, seeing Woody again brought up sad memories about their separation. However, she refuses Woody’s proposal of living together again and continues to travel the city on her own. 

Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear(who unlike Little Bo Peep, stayedwith Woody), didn’t understand what having an inner voice entailed. In challenging situations, he would press his talk button and follow what it said as if it was his own voice. By doing that, he discovered his real inner voiceand trusted it as a guide to making good decisions.  

Gabby Gabby, on the other hand, dreams of taking Woody’s voice box and using it to finally be adopted. Thrown away by the shop keeper’s daughter, she is heartbroken, but ultimately finds a loving home with a girl who lost her parents. 

Anyone who has ever felt lost or lonely can relate to the struggles that these toys face.