'Toy Story 4' A Heart-Warming Funny Feature (Exclusive Series Special) (Disney Plus)

*** This is my initial review for Toy Story 4 that I worked on for the Examiner during the summer of 2019!***

It's hard to believe that Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang have been keeping everyone entertained for 24 years. Ever since the first "Toy Story" arrived in theaters in 1995, families all over have cherished the beloved characters. Now, after three movies and numerous film shorts/TV specials, the gang is back once again on the big screen in "Toy Story 4." In the Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar presentation of "Toy Story 4," Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody's slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Beep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they're worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy. Even though the franchise could've ended with the third film in 2010, "Toy Story 4" gives everyone's favorite characters another amazing adventure on the big screen. The fourth "Toy Story" release is quite humorous and, just like the previous three installments, very heartfelt. Many audience members teared up a little during certain parts of the film, mainly since numerous people throughout the audience (myself included) grew up with the franchise. "Toy Story 4" is one of those rare sequels that show that family audiences will still enjoy the franchise for over twenty years. With several moments of great fun and excitement, families and their children will really have a great time seeing these beloved characters once again ... and possibly for the final time on the big screen. Some of the voice talent include: Tom Hanks (The Post) as Woody, Tim Allen (Fox's Last Man Standing) as Buzz Lightyear, Annie Potts (TVs Young Sheldon) as Bo Beep, Tony Hale (HBOs Veep) as Forky, Keegan-Michael Key (The Predator) as Ducky, Madeleine McGraw as Bonnie, Christina Hendricks (NBCs Good Girls) as Gabby Gabby, Jordan Peele (Netflix's Big Mouth) as Bunny, Joan Cusack (Instant Family) as Jessie, and Keanu Reeves (John Wick 3; Netflix's Always Be My Maybe) as Duke Caboom, among many other voice performers. "Toy Story 4" is directed by Josh Cooley, a Pixar storyboard artist making his feature length directorial debut. After the release of "Toy Story 3," rumors quickly spread that Disney and Pixar would be gearing up for a potential fourth film. despite the third entry was intended to be the conclusion. Around 2014, Pixar producers came up with some very good story ideas and Disney officially announced the project in November 2014.

The legendary comedian, Don Rickles (who voiced Mr. Potato Head), tragically passed away in 2017 before performing any voice work for the new sequel. With the families permission, the filmmakers went through all the archive recordings the comedian did for the films, video games and short films and actually created an all new performance. "Toy Story 4" was originally scheduled for a June 16, 2017 release. But, the date had gotten pushed back a couple times due to production taking awhile and numerous script changes. "Toy Story 4" is rated G and has a running time of 100 minutes.