My favorite moments in the adorable new Toy Story 4 were the countless times when the children in the audience — and I shared the theatre with scores of them that Sunday afternoon — broke out into infectious laughter. I couldn’t tell you what was going on during those times onscreen, and I’m not sure it matters. This latest franchise strikes all of the right notes with the little ones.

That’s not to say that this…ahem, bigger one…didn’t enjoy this latest in the franchise. I did. But by the time Toy Story, or any movie series, actually, gets to “4,” it’s hard to “wow” me. Toy Story 4 is no exception.

The movie’s premise? I’d say “Can the lost be found?” All of us, if we reach far enough back, can recall losing a favorite toy, even if it’s the keys to the convertible or a preferred coffee mug. Toy Story 4 is packed with lost toys, from old friend Bo Peep, to one of the film’s hysterical new characters, Forky. Even our stalwart pal Woody finds himself lost, looking back in the rear view mirror at a day when he was the favorite toy in the box.

Just as all of its predecessors in the franchise have done, Toy Story 4 does an excellent job of introducing new characters. I mentioned Forky, a messed-up, mirthful mix of a spork, a pipe cleaner, a popsicle stick, and a well-placed dab of Play Doh.

I want one!

Also, comedians Key & Peele voice a pair of plucky plush playthings who won’t soon be forgotten. They’re the center of several “what if” segments that prompted laughs from children of all ages. And you’ve got to meet Duke Caboom, this movie’s version of that Evil Knievel action figure that I wore out when I was a kid.

Toy Story 4’s only problem? We’ve seen it all before.

Click here to read MPC’s full review. 

Mike Coleman headshotonly nologo 300Click here to connect with freelance writer Michael P Coleman, click here to check out his blog, or click here to follow him on Twitter.  

 

 

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