Toy Story 4 (2019)

The fourth entry in the Toy Story franchise features much of what audiences have come to expect: state-of-the-art computer animation; skilled voice acting; fun, relatable characters; and a solid plot. Unfortunately, the film also represents too much of a good thing. Where the original Toy Story broke new ground with its innovative use of technology, and the third film delivered a deep and affecting tale that elaborated eloquently on the importance, strength, and beauty of human dignity, this latest installment works mostly as a basic children’s movie.

**⅞ (out of *****)

©2019 David R. George III

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2019 • 1 HOUR, 40 MINUTES
PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS • WALT DISNEY PICTURES

STARRING
• TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN

ALSO STARRING
• ANNIE POTTS, TONY HALE, KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, MADELEINE MCGRAW, CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, JORDAN PEELE, KEANU REEVES, ALLY MAKI

WRITTEN BY
• JOHN LASSETER & ANDREW STANTON & JOSH COOLEY & VALERIE LAPOINTE AND RASHIDA JONES & WILL MCCORMACK & MARTIN HYNES & STEPHANY FOLSOM (ORIGINAL STORY)
• ANDREW STANTON & STEPHANY FOLSOM (SCREENPLAY)

DIRECTED BY
• JOSH COOLEY

2019 ACADEMY AWARDS (1)
• BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

ADDITIONAL 2019 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS (1)
• BEST ORIGINAL SONG: “I CAN’T LET YOU THROW YOURSELF AWAY” (LOST TO “I’M GONNA LOVE ME AGAIN” FROM ROCKETMAN)