Toy Story 4 Review -A Wonderful, Emotional Finale

One of the most beloved franchises amongst kids and adults alike can be found in the "Toy Story" franchise. What started out as Pixar's first feature has now spawn into an adorned series by many. Now, the franchise surprisingly returns with a fourth installment.

It is directed by Josh Cooley, who's most notable work can be found acting as a writer on 2015's "Inside Out". So, how was the film? Is a worthy addition to the other three? Let's talk about it.

"Toy Story 4" finds our characters now living and caring for the little girl known as Bonnie. When she enters kindergarten and creates a toy of her known, which she gives it the name Forky, it is up to Woody and the gang to show Forky the ways of being of toy and then embark on an adventure that may be more than meets the eye.

The animation is breathtaking. There are times where the viewer will find themselves questioning whether certain sequences are animation or actual real images being projected on screen.

The biggest concern for many is one of the films greatest strengths, which is that there is a clear purpose as to why the fourth was made and it works exceptionally in the context of this franchise. With the third closing out the story of Andy, the fourth acts as an epilogue and a closer of another important aspect of the story of this franchise.

The emotions are as strong as ever. There are many moments that will make you smile, cry and laugh throughout. Once again, they were able to find a perfect balance in emotion and it never relies on gags or basic story threads to give the film its emotional response.

The direction is spot on. Cooley wonderfully directs his first feature with class, charm and personality that matches the other three perfectly. He finds character moments that are placed at the right time and feel earned as well.

The new additions felt natural and never were used as props. The additional voices of Jordan Peele, Keagan-Michael Key and Keanu Reeves worked well and never became noise or became annoying for the viewer to watch.

"Toy Story 4" does the impossible by continuing the story of an established trilogy and adds more layers and depth to these iconic characters with providing an ending that brings the curtain down on this wonderful series that may go down as one of the greatest of our generation.

"Toy Story 4" Letter Grade: A