Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale

Directed by Josh Cooley

Pixar, out now

 

When Andy’s sister Bonnie literally makes a new friend at school and takes him on a family holiday, Woody and co embark on a road trip far wilder than they could have imagined.

With just four instalments in 24 years you could never accuse the Toy Story franchise of ‘churning them out’ and I’m glad to report that the quality displayed in the first three is maintained here. Addressing the obvious question as to why there was another entry – Toy Story 3 wraps things up so neatly for the Andy Years – this instalment can be seen as the first in a new trilogy or maybe a standalone. And while there’s room for the story to go on, there’s no cynical sequel bait sewn in to the ending.

All the regular gang are back, and it’s amazing that some characters (step forwards Timothy Dalton’s Mr Pricklepants!) are only on screen for a moment or two. Ultimately it’s Woody’s film, and Tom Hanks eases back into the role with apparent ease, taking on the role of Forky’s protector. Forky (Veep’s Tony Hale) is just one of a whole bunch of new characters, that includes fluffy toys Bunny, Ducky and the possibly malevolent baby dolly Gabby Gabby. Standout new additions are a series of terrifying ventriloquist dummies which amble around like zombies – the stuff of nightmares.

Ultimately, this may be the weakest in the series, and yet it still gains a high rating, such is the calibre of this franchise. I can’t help thinking that Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear is underserved by the script – I always saw these films as a double act – leaving the focus on Woody and his cutlery friend, as well as developing his relationship with Bo Peep.

Verdict: Excellent Pixar entertainment that keeps the laughs coming, impresses with its animation and sheer invention, and makes you want to go right back and watch the first three again. 8/10

Nick Joy