Rating (3 out of 5)

Summary: The animation amazes. Laughs are to be found, but so are prolonged talking and inner perspective moments, which are rather boring. There was a point which was so slow, that I rolled my eyes, and stared at the ceiling until the lecture was over. For adults only, this movei is blah. You will laugh, but also be bored. If you have kids, I recommend “Toy Story 4”.

Plot: Woody (Tom Hanks) decides to accompany Bonnie to her first day of kindergarten. There she makes Forky (Tony Hale). Forky gets lost. Woody (Tim Allen) recovers him. Woody then sees Bo Beeps (Annie Potts) light in an antique store. Woody loses Forky in the anitque store to Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) and has to rescue Forky and get him back to Bonnie.

Detail: I laughed at quite a few parts. I had the Evel Knievel motorcyle toy as a young kid. The Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) character and toy brought the classic toy humor to the film. The poses were a nice touch.

Other parts of the film are new and entertaining as well. The army toys at the park were fun, and leaving one of them hanging without the high five had everyone chuckling. Typical of “Toy Story”, the jokes about toys were layered throughout the film. However, these new items unfortunately weren’t explored more and appeared a more interesting story arc than what was provided.

What I didn’t need in this film, but they served in oodles were lectures about what is important. The original “Toy Story” was simple, because Buzz and Woody had to make their way home, and Woody had to realize he was jealous. Simple.

In writing the plot for “Toy Story 4” I realized the characters travelled all over the place, with different objectives. There was so many little things happening all the time. It was too much. “Toy Story 4” lacks focus.

People love Pixar, and love of the quality of Toy Story films. You will see better ratings for this film; but I caution you; these reviews are influenced by nostalgia for “Toy Story”. As a film, this movie is just eh.