Toy Story 4: A Fork in the Road (and a Lot of Forks)
So, here we are, folks. The fourth installment of a franchise that somehow keeps finding new ways to make us question our very existence as toys. Woody, that ever-loyal cowboy with a penchant for herding lost souls (and lost toys), is now living in the cozy abode of Bonnie. But wait, what’s this? Bonnie has crafted a new toy—Forky. Yes, you heard that right. A spork—half spoon, half fork, and all existential crisis.
Woody introduces Forky to the gang, and let me tell you, it’s like introducing a vegan to a barbecue. Forky, as it turns out, is convinced he’s trash. Because, you know, he literally was trash. This spork has the self-esteem of a soggy piece of bread. He keeps trying to throw himself away, much to Woody’s chagrin. “I’m not just a toy; I’m a trash can!” Forky cries out, which is a sentiment we can all relate to after a long week.
But when Forky decides to make a break for it, Woody, being the overzealous toy that he is, jumps into action. And by action, I mean he runs after Forky like a dog chasing a squirrel. The chase leads them out into the big, scary world where Woody reunites with Bo Peep, who has undergone quite the glow-up since her days of shepherding. She’s now a fierce, independent figure who has traded in her porcelain skin for a more rugged, adventurer look. Think less “damsel in distress” and more “kick-butt heroine with a staff.”
Woody’s reunion with Bo is sweet, but let’s be honest, it’s also a little awkward. It’s like running into your high school crush at a reunion and realizing they’ve moved on to a much cooler life. Meanwhile, Forky is still trying to escape, leading to a series of misadventures that include a carnival, a creepy doll named Gabby Gabby, and a bunch of ventriloquist dummies that are straight out of a nightmare. Seriously, if I had a nickel for every time a doll tried to steal Woody’s voice box, I’d have enough to buy my own theme park.
As Woody and Forky navigate through this chaotic carnival, they encounter a slew of colorful characters, including a plush cat named Duke Caboom, who is basically the Canadian version of Evel Knievel but with less charm and more dramatic flair. Duke spends the entire movie trying to prove he’s more than just a toy—he’s a stuntman! Spoiler alert: he’s not. But he sure knows how to make an entrance.
Back to the main plot: Woody’s internal struggle about what it means to be a toy for Bonnie versus following his own desires is the real meat of the film. He’s torn between being a loyal companion and seeking a new purpose. By the end, Woody makes the ultimate decision to stay with Bo Peep and embrace a life of freedom, leaving behind his loyal friends. Talk about a mid-life crisis! Who knew toys had such emotional depth?
In conclusion, Toy Story 4 is a rollercoaster of emotions, existential crises, and more toy puns than you can shake a stick at. It’s a tale of finding your place in the world, whether that’s in the hands of a child or out in the wild, living your best life. So, if you’re looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, and reconsider your life choices (and the number of forks in your kitchen), this one’s for you.
And remember, if you ever feel like trash, just know that you might be someone else’s favorite toy.