Trailer Review of ‘Toy Story 4’

One of the big questions surrounding Toy Story 4 was always where it could go – the first three films are masterfully made, a perfectly wrapped trilogy with a story that had seemingly reached its conclusion, so what could a fourth Toy Story film possibly add? Well, based on the new trailer, it certainly seems to be a reworking of some of the plot beats of the earlier films, although there are definite hints that the heart at the centre of the series will be as strong as ever.

One of the big questions surrounding Toy Story 4 was always where it could go

The main crux of the trailer focused on Forky (Tony Hale), a spork made into a toy in the midst of an existential crisis (as Woody [Tom Hanks] tells us, Bonnie literally “made” a friend). It seems as though Forky is Bonnie’s toy of the moment, so Woody encourages her other toys to look after him – but when Forky makes a break for freedom, Woody goes after him and attempts to show him the joys of being a toy. Naturally, the two get lost and so begins a quest to make it back to Bonnie. However, it seems that, on the way back, Woody runs into old friend Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and wonders where his own place really is.

If the trailer seems familiar, that’s probably because it appears to be a mash-up of the stories of Toy Story and its sequels (though I’ve no doubt Pixar will surprise us; it wouldn’t be the first time their trailers have fooled audiences). The toys turn to Buzz (Tim Allen) for leadership as they once did Woody, and Woody is tempted by a new life as he was by Stinky Pete and the Roundup Gang in Toy Story 2. Granted, it looks to be a fairground that could be winning him round this time, rather than a museum (speaking of which, it’s worth drawing attention to how beautiful the new locations are – Pixar never lets us down in producing absolutely stunning films, and it’s clear that this will be no exception).

I’ve no doubt Pixar will surprise us; it wouldn’t be the first time their trailers have fooled audiences 

Pixar has never been one to avoid hitting the adult beats, but it doesn’t normally tend towards the outright creepy – with the introduction of a bunch of ventriloquist dummies, that could be about to change. Stylised in much the same manner as Slappy from the live-action Goosebumps movie, these things are terrifying – we see them chasing after Woody and Forky, and everything about their movement is utterly uncanny. It appears that they may be the hench-toys of Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), who seems poised as the potential villain character, though things are never quite what they seem in a Pixar film.

There are a few brief hints at other new characters – a pair of fair prize toys (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele) in a snippet of a clip we saw at the Superbowl, and fleeting shots of Keanu Reeves’ Duke Caboom. Our first look at Bo in nearly twenty years sees her turned into some kind of action warrior, and all of the character designs – both old and new – look unsurprisingly beautiful (with the exception of what I believe is an updated model for young Andy, which is all shades of upsetting).

Pixar has never been one to avoid hitting the adult beats

The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’ drops and the trailer reaches its climax. A series of shots follow: Buzz flying, a beautiful shot of Bo caressing Woody’s face under a car, the scene from Toy Story 3 in which Andy gives Woody to Bonnie, Forky hugs Woody, and then it ends with a close-up of Woody offering a small smile. And, when it did end, I felt a little tear run down my cheek – the trailer had pulled at my heartstrings in a way that no trailer has since, if we’re honest, Toy Story 3.

The film promises to be incredibly sad, and the trailer really hints at that. There may have been aspects that seemed tired and familiar, but it’s nonetheless done the job perfectly – I can’t wait until June 21^st for another adventure with Woody and the gang.