Toy Story 4

OK, I freely admit that, just after it was announced, the thought of a fourth Toy Story made me very anxious. As somebody whose favourite film is “all the Toy Story films please don’t make me pick they’re all perfect”, the prospect of studio execs trampling all over the treasured films of my childhood in the name of a quick cash-in (oh hi Shrek) was properly horrifying.

Well, I needn’t have worried. Toy Story 4 is just… wow. Every single frame of this film is breathtaking but, more importantly, the story itself carefully avoids treading on anything that has come before. Much has been said about how the third instalment was the perfect way to say goodbye to Andy’s story and this film honours that; instead we follow the toys as they go off on their new adventure with Bonnie.

As can be expected from a Toy Story film at this point, what we end up with are some surprisingly profound musings on what it means to have purpose and what it means to be loved. All your old friends are here, plus some excellent new additions to the cast: Christina Hendricks is fantastically unsettling as Gabby Gabby and I challenge you not to smile at Keanu Reeves’(!) knowingly absurd Duke Caboom (catchphrase: “yes I Can-ada!”).

If you’re doing anything this Saturday, cancel it. Bring your friends. You have to see this on the big screen.

Kieran Hall