Toy Story 4 is the fourth installment in the beloved Toy Story series, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by Josh Cooley in his directorial debut, with the story by John Lasseter, Andrew Santon, Peter Docter, and Lee Unkrich, and screenplay by Cooley and Stephany Folsom.
Plot
The story follows Woody, who, after settling into a new life with Bonnie, embarks on a road trip adventure when a new toy, Forky, created by Bonnie, comes to life. Woody is compelled to protect Forky, leading to a reunion with Bo Peep and other old friends, as well as new characters like Gabby Gabby and Duke Caboom. Throughout the journey, Woody reconsiders his place in the world, exploring themes of purpose, belonging, and the passage of time.
Production
- Development: The decision to continue the franchise after Toy Story 3 was initially met with skepticism due to the conclusive nature of the third film. However, the creative team, particularly Lasseter, saw potential in further exploring the characters' stories.
- Animation: Pixar continued to push the boundaries of animation technology, focusing on realistic character movements and expressions to convey emotions effectively.
- Cast: The original voice cast returned, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, and Annie Potts as Bo Peep, with new additions like Tony Hale voicing Forky, Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby, and Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom.
Release
Toy Story 4 was released in theaters on June 21, 2019, in the United States. It received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth, humor, and the visual quality of the animation.
Reception
- Critical: The film was praised for its storytelling, character development, and the balance it struck between nostalgia and new narrative exploration. It holds an approval rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Box Office: It became a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
- Awards: Toy Story 4 won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards and was nominated for several other accolades.
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