Toy Story 4

I thought the ending of Toy Story 3 was the perfect way to conclude the franchise so I wondered what the next installment could possibly have to offer.  Then I saw a trailer featuring Duke Caboom, Canada's Greatest Stuntman (Keanu Reeves) and I knew that I had to see it!  Yesterday I convinced Sean to go see it with me and I loved it!  Most of the toys are happy living with Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw) but Woody (Tom Hanks) is feeling a little bit neglected.  Bonnie is nervous about going to kindergarten so Woody sneaks into her backpack to go with her to orientation and helps her make Forky (Tony Hale) out of a spork, popsicle sticks, and a pipe cleaner.  Forky becomes Bonnie's favorite toy but he has an existential crisis, wanting only to be used once and then discarded.  Woody does everything he can to keep Forky from absconding to the trash because Bonnie needs him and this makes Woody feel useful again.  When Bonnie's family takes a road trip in an RV, Forky escapes and Woody feels it is his duty to go after him.  He enlists the help of his former friend Bo Peep (Annie Potts), two plush toys named Bunny and Ducky (Jordan Peele and Keagan Michael Key, respectively), Giggles McDimples (Ally Maki), and Duke Caboom to rescue Forky and elude a doll named Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) who wants his voice box.  This is a worthy entry in the franchise with a powerful and poignant story.  The emotional journey that all of the characters take to discover their purpose is incredibly satisfying and I have to admit that I had a tear in my eye during an especially touching moment with Gabby.  Of course, my favorite character was Duke Caboom, a daredevil on a motorcycle who has a crisis of confidence when he cannot live up to the hype promised in the advertisement but ends up saving the day (and stealing the show).  I also really liked it whenever Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) decides what to do by using his button-induced phrases after Woody tells him to listen to his conscience.  I laughed out loud many times.  As is the case with most Pixar movies, the animation is absolutely beautiful and the action sequences are a lot of fun.  It is heartwarming movie that both children and adults will enjoy and I highly recommend it!