Toy Story 4 Review & Free Printable Activity Sheets

It’s the year of Disney sequels and live-action remakes, and Toy Story 4 is the next to bring nostalgia to the big screen.

We saw it this past week, excited about another Toy Story movie, but wondering what this one could possibly add to the already successful franchise started in 1995.

Did it add much?

I would say yes and no. Like the others, it was funny and entertaining, full of action, and had amazing animation. But I didn’t think it had the tender emotion that the first three had. It tried to, but it wasn’t comparable to the previous movies. Nonetheless, it’s still worth seeing.

In Toy Story 4, Bonnie is now the owner of all of Andy’s toys, which he outgrew and gave to her at the end of Toy Story 3. Bonnie is starting kindergarten, but can’t take a toy with her, so she creates one of her own at her orientation instead. This toy is “Forky,” made simply of discarded trash and bits of craft supplies like a plastic spork and pipe cleaner. But Forky believes he should be in the trash because that’s where he comes from, so Woody does all he can to stop him for Bonnie’s sake.

Then Bonnie and her family go on a road trip where Woody reunites with Bo Peep (there’s a flashback that explains why she had disappeared and wasn’t even in Toy Story 3). Here Woody and the gang meet more characters including Gabby Gabby, a doll that may not be as nice as she seems, some creepy ventriloquist dummies, and a funny pair of (literally) inseparable stuffed animals, Ducky and Bunny.

The movie is an adventure full of hilarious moments, especially toward the end with the RV and the carnival (you have to see it). But honestly, I was disappointed at the very end. I can’t reveal too much, but the way it ended with the toys surprised me. It was sweet and heartfelt and all, but it didn’t make sense to me. It was more of a “let’s do this in case we want to do a Toy Story 5” ending so I didn’t even feel anything but “what the heck.” I thought it should have ended differently, but maybe Disney doesn’t want to be too predictable.

So with that, I thought I’d put together a top 5 list of my thoughts.

Here are 5 things I thought about the movie, in no order:

My kids and I loved Forky! He was funny and quirky (just as he looked), and I definitely see a huge wave coming of kids wanting to either make their own or buy one (Forky toys and kits are available here from Target). Be sure to download my FREE Toy Story 4 Printable Activity Packet which has instructions for making your own Forky!
There are other memorable new characters like Ducky and Bunny, and Duke Caboom, who is voiced by Keanu Reeves. And Giggle McDimples is a hoot (on Bo Peep’s shoulder above). They all light up the movie and add silliness and fun throughout.
The movie is for most ages, but the creepy ventriloquist dummies may be a bit scary for very young kids. They are more funny scary, because most people in the audience laughed at them, and they got funnier (less scary) as the movie went along. But if you have very young kids, just be aware.
Stay for the credits. Honestly, this was the best part of the whole movie. Just like they were in Ralph Breaks the Internet. Plus there are new scenes during the credits that you don’t want to miss!
The reviews out there so far are both good and bad. My review is in the middle. I didn’t like it as much as the first Toy Story movies, but it was worth seeing with the family. Let me know what you think!

NOW – for some free printable fun!