After a few minor stumbles, animation mega-studio Pixar has made its triumphant return with Toy Story 4.
Picking up just a few months after Toy Story 3, this one sees Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) struggle to receive any attention from his owner, Bonnie.
Viewed as an outcast, this ol' cowboy might soon be thrown out or given away.
Lost on the highway, Woody and Bonnie's new friend, Forky (Veep's Tony Hale), must work together to find their way home.
Nine years ago, the world stopped to watch Pixar wrap up the original trilogy in a spectacular fashion.
Making his feature film debut, Pixar's Josh Cooley knocks it out of the park. His effort re-kindles the franchise's rambunctious energy, and keeps it up for a full 100 minutes.
- Thomas Munday
Many believed this instalment would continue the studio's recent trend of so-so entries (Finding Dory, The Incredibles 2, Cars 3).
Fortunately, Toy Story 4 is a delight for audiences young and old. Making his feature film debut, Pixar stalwart Josh Cooley knocks it out of the park.
His effort re-kindles the franchise's rambunctious energy, and keeps it up for a full 100 minutes.
Like with the previous entries, Toy Story 4 features some heists, escapes, and physics-defying stunts.
Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and Bo Peep (Annie Potts) find themselves in a dark, dingy antiques store with obstacles around every corner.
Cooley and his team find a unique angle - turning a rather conventional setting into a 1930s-era mob town.
Continuing Pixar's tradition of sympathetic, multi-layered antagonists, Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) is simply fascinating.
Keanu Reeves shines as Duke Caboom, an emotionally-fragile Canadian stuntman.
Forced to play irritating, loudmouth sidekicks, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele sadly leave much to be desired.
Even worse, the original cast members - Jessie, Rex, Slinky Dog etc. - are given very little to do. Despite being a tad formulaic, Toy Story 4 is still a solid thrill-ride with many gripping moments.
Toy Story 4 is screening at the Arts Margaret River Cinema on Friday July 19 (7pm) and Sunday July 21 (2pm). For tickets and info visit www.artsmargaretriver.com
