Can Woody continue a meaningful existence when that very meaning is taken away from him? Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), right, in a scene from "Toy Story 4." Pixarįor Woody, his believes his salvation lies in Forky, and what the new toy means to Bonnie. That was his purpose, and he fulfilled it. Woody helped build memories that Andy would cherish for a lifetime. And “Toy Story 4” returns to this vernacular a few times.
It’s surprising, and a little heavy, to hear Woody frame his relationship with Andy in this empty-nester, parent-child context. Woody tells Forky he once had a kid of his own. Each of them wants the life they used to lead. (Heartwarming Randy Newman song: check.)Īudiences will quickly realize the parallels between Woody and Forky. “I can’t let you throw yourself away,” Randy Newman sings. When Bonnie's family takes a road trip, Woody does all he can to keep Forky from literally jumping ship, er, RV. But he’s become Bonnie’s safety net - the only thing holding her fragile sense of self together. Forky doesn’t want to be Bonnie’s favorite toy. Forky comes to life, voiced with anxious terror by Tony Hale (“Veep,” “Arrested Development”). Things get a little, well, stickier from here on out. At school, he tosses some crafting supplies on Bonnie’s desk, and she turns the scraps into Forky, a spork with pipe cleaner arms, popsicle stick feet and mismatched googly eyes. When a frightened Bonnie goes to her first day of grade school, Woody sneaks into her backpack, hoping to ensure things go smoothly. The former sheriff has an existential snake in his boot.įorky (Tony Hale), left, in a scene from "Toy Story 4." Pixar When Bonnie pulls her toys out, Woody is relegated to the closet. Bonnie gave Woody’s badge to his cowgirl counterpart, Jessie (Joan Cusack). In fact, Woody isn’t sheriff anymore either. Woody (Tom Hanks) doesn’t manage the toys anymore - that’s now the job of another toy, Dolly (Bonnie Hunt). That’s where we find ourselves at the beginning of “Toy Story 4,” presumably soon after Andy donates them. Yes, Andy is gone, but his toys live on in Bonnie’s room. But given its strengths, maybe that’s OK. “Toy Story 4” is more of a coda than a capstone. Now, though - nine years later - we have one. “Toy Story 3” was the franchise fulfilling its purpose. “Toy Story 3” felt like its perfect ending: a college-bound Andy lovingly gives his favorite childhood playthings to Bonnie, a wide-eyed little girl who appreciates them as much as Andy once did. That’s the central issue facing Woody in “Toy Story 4.” But life imitates art here: It’s also the main question for Pixar’s oldest franchise. Once you’ve fulfilled your life’s purpose, what do you do next? “TOY STORY 4” - 3 stars - Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, Christina Hendricks, Annie Potts, Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Keanu Reeves, Joan Cusack G in general release running time: 100 minutes
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