Toy Story 4

Positive—I saw this movie, and I agree with the reviewer. I loved this film. There were so many Biblical symbols, plus a strong Biblical theme weaved into the story. I saw a strong tone about sacrifice. It is similar how Jesus sacrificed His life so that we could live. The toy Woody makes a sacrifice for his enemy so that she could live. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but if you see this movie, you will see that theme.

I remember as a child in high school literature class; I had to look for symbolic representations of Christ and God in the book that I read. Woody would be the symbolic representation of Christ. There are the themes of loyalty, love, and friendship, but sacrifice is moving in this film, too.

Please go see this movie with your children. Then talk to them about what Woody did. I feel that younger children would be frightened by the wooden puppets. It is definitely family friendly. I must say that Woody is my favorite character now!!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—I only saw the preceding film, “Toy Story 3” on DVD (having seen the others at the cinema), for whatever reason, but the ending when [spoiler alert] Andy gave all his toys, including Woody, to Bonnie [end of spoiler alert], I cried big time.

With “Toy Story 4, ” we got to the cinema and at the end, I cried again, eyes brimming with tears, they started to fall down my cheeks. My nine nearly ten year old didn’t notice me and when I told him afterwards, he thought it was highly amusing!

Though there were elements of “been there, done that” in the storyline, it was quite humorous and also touching. The deeper stuff about what it means to be alive, how they were alive was hinted at but ultimately not entirely pursued. This would have made it too heavy for children but is something that everyone, believer and non believer, thinks about.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—In the movie, Buzz Lightyear says more than once his iconic motto to “infinity and beyond.” This phrase is so much a part of his character that even Woody the sheriff says it as his last line of dialogue in the movie.

Having said that, it would have been much more effective if Woody, some time during the movie and upon the last time Buzz uses this phrase, would have said something like, “Buzz, infinity is forever, ad infinitum. There is nothing beyond infinity, because it goes on forever.”

This simple line of dialogue would have added depth to Woody’s character, as well as to the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—My sister in law asked me to read up on the movie. She had heard of some gay tone, but was not sure if it was true. I did look at different Christian Web sites, but did not find anything to confirm her info.

We saw the movie, and it was great. Interesting new characters and a family-based theme. The part that was questionable was not realized until after we saw the movie. My brother pointed out that the two toys that had their hands sown together also had male voices. There may have been a slight gay theme, but it was very subtle.

It was a good movie, and I will look at getting it on DVD.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—I am not happy with the scene where 2 moms drop off and pick up a child indicating same-sex relationships. Disney, the world really, keeps trying to push this agenda on our children.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—Pixar hit it out of the figurative ballpark with this fitting end to the Toy Story franchise. The fourth installment to the series has the whimsy aspect that appeals to kids but also the emotional and philosophical aspect that appeals to adults (like most of its films). There are a lot of themes that parallel Biblical ones.

When Forky goes missing, Woody makes it his personal mission to bring him back to Bonnie. In Matthew 18: 10-14, a shepherd makes it his own personal mission to find the one missing sheep after it went astray from the herd. Jesus IS that shepherd and He sacrificed Himself so that we may come back to Him and His flock (it’s important to note that Forky once considered himself trash but Woody did not).See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5

Positive—I really enjoyed Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” aside from 2 things. I really enjoyed how Gabby Gabby was not rewarded for her selfishness, and she learns to be more humble. I also thought Forky had a good character arc, and I enjoyed how Woody made it a point to follow his conscience, which Buzz also strives to do (in a godly and appropriately humorous way). Woody also makes a sacrifice for a character who was his enemy at one point, via giving his voice box to Gabby Gabby in exchange for Forky’s freedom and still aids Gabby when she doesn’t get Harmony’s attention and acceptance.

The stuffed animals voiced by Key and Peele were hilarious and show how one can be extremely funny without resorting to ungodly jokes. Giggles wasn’t the best character in terms of writing, but she was still a sweet character.

My main problem with the movie is how children are portrayed as spoiled brats who receive no consequences for their actions (there’s a comment from Harmony’s mother that she wishes Harmony’s grandmother would stop spoiling Harmony, but the mother relents anyway). Granted the movie portrays spoiling children as a bad thing, but it still kind of rubs me the wrong way. If I ever have children, they will be taught through biblical actions and words, not by spoiling them. The only child NOT portrayed badly was Andy in the flashbacks. Even Bonnie goes from being a sweet girl to being unsympathetically obsessed with Forky and forgetting Andy’s sacrifice at the end of the previous Toy Story.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5

Neutral—I was somewhat apprehensive about seeing TS4, because the third film was so beautiful, and it had a good ending that I felt completed the franchise. But I went, of course, putting my reservations in my back pocket.

My first objection is how Woody was stripped of his sheriff’s badge and given to Jesse, because it is “the year of the woman.” It seems every film of late has to make sure that women are at the forefront, no matter if it makes sense or not. I don’t mind it in context, but I hate when it’s done just to follow a trend.

So, enter BoPeep who has become a strong, independent woman in her own right—so unlike the BoPeep of past TS movies. Again, very predictable that the writers changed her character to fit the “movement.”

The story was slow and those dummies were scary. I’m glad my grandson wasn’t bothered by them. All in all, this was an unnecessary movie and should have ended with TS3.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½

Negative—Our children were toddlers as we sat around the CRT television watching the original “Toy Story.” And now, at the release of part 4, our “kids” are preparing to leave home, much in the same way “Toy Story 3” ended. Our family discussed how the story could effectively continue on with a relevant and meaningful story, mirroring the depth of its predecessors. And by the end of the film, while touching in a somewhat shallow manner, the unanswered question that remained was, “Why?”

*Spoilers!!!* (because the movie’s message matters)
After a brief intro/recap involving Andy, we are also introduced to the plot, or subplot, and from here it seems all the toys/characters that we have come to love were quickly dashed behind the curtains, then reappear with peppered appearances throughout the film reminding us all that, yes, this is “Toy Story.” The film builds heavily on Woody and “Forky”—a character that appears to be Disney’s passive attempt at introducing its newest character/toy as a transgendered fork/spoon who does not see its own value beyond being trash.

Jessie is now being represented as the “new” Sheriff at the beginning of the movie, and BoPeep is a very independent, strong-willed character that ends up doing most of the heroism after she and Woody are reunited.

There is no real antagonist, and the doll we originally believe will be the “bad guy,” is actually just misunderstood and has good intentions, nevermind that she commands all the male dolls who have a “toxic” and frightening appearance throughout the entire film.

New toys crowd out our beloved, original family and absorb most of the screen time, and while this may be profitable in the toy stores, they are not truly memorable as characters on the screen… they just seem “forced” and entirely unnecessary.

By the rather unclimatic ending, Woody has given his voice to the villain/misunderstood female doll, given his Sheriff’s badge and leadership of the family to another girl, Jessie, and left his family to follow under the strong leadership of BoPeep (the hero of this movie).

Then right before the credits roll, we are introduced to another “new” character that is to complement “Forky”… a girl-like figure constructed by Bonnie that is much stronger than a spork… because her body is a knife.

While there are chuckles and few “lol” moments, this movie innocently reinforces Disney’s “values” and does little to build upon the last 20 years.

Pros—extraordinarily clean, and the finest animation I have ever seen… truly excellent. The shadowing/lighting on the characters were impressive from the very start and, as the previous three, retained that superior workmanship to the very end, including the end credits.

Cons—Very few touching moments and weak story… Woody gives up everything to “follow” BoPeep. Women appear to be the real heroes of this chapter, and the “voice” of leadership, morale, right and wrong was given over to the female antagonist so she could have her turn.

In my opinion, this story seemed like a holiday special more fitting as a “straight to DVD” as there is little continuity to the core “characters.” With the exception of Buzz’s limited involvement and subsequent “giving up” at the end (not Buzz’s character to give up), we are left with a sequel that would have been better left unserved. It does no justice to over 20 years of storytelling, and sadly is a letdown to part 3.

Nothing… absolutely nothing tops “Toy Story 3” and the heartfelt moment all the toys affectionately embraced each other before that fateful end, and… the moment Andy let go of Woody.

And Disney thought this was a worthy sequel? Why???…
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5

Negative—Lesbian couple dropping their child off in the beginning of the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: no opinion

Negative—I just watched “Toy Story 4” along with some family members. This movie reminded me a lot of the movie “Show Dogs” which was pulled for child grooming scenes. This movie was full of child grooming scenes, teaching children to trust adults, inappropriate “hugs,” discussing of how much the toys needed little children, and blatant use of “stuffing” for more sexual innuendo. This movie has been out for a long time now, are we really the only people that have noticed these scenes? Re-watch this movie without your children with a critical eye, see if you’re seeing what I’ve seen! If no one says anything about this, it’s just going to continue!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½

Negative—…I just would like to comment on the movie’s antagonist, Gabby Gabby. The issue I have with Gabby is that she manipulates Woody and holds Forky hostage. And yet the audience is supposed to feel sorry for her and condone her actions because she has a tragic backstory. I am tired of the media using having tragic backstory or emotional insecurities to justify a female character’s selfish actions. Gabby is like Tess from “27 Dresses” or Candace from “A Cinderella Christmas.” The problem with this trope is it promotes victimhood and playing the victim card.

Too many people do this now days. People need to learn that a person has to take responsibility for his or her actions. You can’t blame the world or your parents every time you act out of selfishness.

Characters like Gabby, also display a lack of empathy for others and borderline sociopath behavior. Is this what we should normalize? I feel like Gabby getting rewarded in the end sends children the wrong message. It teaches them that it is o.k. to bully others to get what you want.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: no opinion

Negative—Toy story 4 is an in your face check your male privilege movie. I am a liberal feminist and I disliked the movie for this reason. The movie did not promote female equality it promoted female superiority. When the toys are in the closet, Woody tries to raise their spirits while they are waiting for playtime. Dolly quiets him by saying “I got this.” Note Woody is not interrupting her or undermine her authority. His actions compliment hers. If the situation were reversed, liberals would say this scene is sexist. Instead of being a good female leader Dolly is domineering and controlling. Here is one of the lines she says in the movie. “Woody can’t you see that I am threatening everybody go back to the closet.” When Woody voices his concerns about Bonnie, Dolly is unsympathetic and silences him. She fails to be a leader when she is needed most, after Forky goes missing. In “Toy story 3” she is a good leader and willing to listen to and empathize with others. Bo Peep’s personality has clearly changed. She is no longer soft spoken, sweet or gentle. Why does woke Disney think they must remove sweetness, gentleness, nurturing, soft spoken, and compassion from female characters to empower them? They did the same thing to Mrs. Beakly in the “Ducktales” reboot. A character can be gentle, nurturing, brave, and adventurous. Look at Mrs. Brisby from “The Secret of Nimh..” She was the soft spoken maternal hero of her own story. Bravely facing cats and owls to save her family. Bo Peep was Woody’s emotional support, she comforted him when he needed it the most. She is not a strong female character despite the movie reminding the audience every five minutes how independent she is. Bo Peep doesn’t do anything heroic, she abandons Woody when he needs her the most. The way the movie tries to make her look strong is by having her put down Woody. Here are some of her lines in the movie. 'What did I say? I lead you follow'-Bo Peep 'You really want to help than stay out of my way.' Bo is excessively harsh to Woody for no reason. She yells at him and shames him. At one point, the toys in the antique shop ask if Woody is her friend. Bo says no, he is her accessory. This is what makes it odd that he chooses to be with her in the end. While it has been common in cartoons for female characters to be cold and disrespect towards their boyfriends/husbands, “Toy story 4” takes it to an extreme. I wish the media would stop condoning female characters being disrespectful, uncompassionate, and harsh towards the men they are suppose to love. Pixar has already had an empowered female character in the “Toy Story” franchise. Barbie in “Toy Story 3” falls in love with Ken but, is deeply loyal to her friends. She plays a major role in helping them escape from Lotso. Another female character in “Toy Story 4” is Officer Mcgiggles. I wanted to like her but, her frequent bashing of Woody, and discouraging Bo from having a relationship with him was a turn off. It came off that her character was promoting misandry, and that isn’t a good thing to promote. I also didn’t like the fact that Gabby Gabby’s actions were condoned. Gabby is manipulative. I don’t understand why people defend actions or claim that she was only bargaining with him. She literally uses his own moral values, memories of Andy, and insecurities against him. If she were only trying to bargain with him, she would not have toyed with his emotions. On top of that people ignore the fact that prior to that scene, Woody already said “no” twice when Gabby tried to get his voice box. What happened to no means no? What happened to consent isn’t asking someone over and over again until they say yes? Do those things not apply because Woody is a man and Gaby is a girl? If the situation were reversed, and Woody manipulated Gabby into giving him her voice box, people would accuse Pixar of condoning coerced rape. Gabby also takes advantage of Forky’s innocence. She knows he is too naïve to understand stranger danger or to escape on his own and find Woody. Forky trusts her like a child would trust a kidnapper. An argument I have heard people make to condone Gabby’s actions is that she was desperate. Being desperate, did not make it o.k. For her to hold Forky hostage until Woody gave her what she wanted. Other people argue, that Woody already has had a kid and that its Gabby’s turn to shine. To me this is like arguing that a man should give up his promotion to allow a female employee shine. Or, that it is o.k. For a homeless man to steal a millionaire’s identity because the millionaire has already known the comforts of wealth and its the homeless man’s turn to be wealthy. Additionally, Stinky Pete from “Toy Story 2” has never had the opportunity to be played with by a child, and no one condones his behavior. Gabby never recognizes that her actions are wrong, and yet she is redeemed any way. I am all for characters having redemption arcs. But, for a character to have a redemption arc he or she must recognize his or her actions were wrong and change. Gabby never shows empathy towards the other characters. The treatment of Gabby’s character teaches children it is o.k. To manipulate and bully others into giving you what you want. Those are not moral values we should teach kids. Gabby never needed Woody’s voice box. She could have donated herself to daycare where she would have been played with. Gabby could hang out on the playground like Bo and the other toys without homes and wait for children to play with her. She probably would have found a home if she did that. Other issues with the movie are things that simply do not make any sense. Such as Buzz being completely out of character. At one point he gives up and insists on abandoning Forky in the antique shop because it is easier. The Buzzlighter in the second movie would have never done that. Woody insists upon doing everything on his own. When Buzz offers to help him watch Forky, he refuses. What happened to team work? Woody and Buzz’s team work and friendship were part of what made the franchise wonderful. Woody also acts recklessly throughout the movie which is out character for him. With his years of experience in difficult situations he would know not to be careless. The scene where the toys get the RV to drive back to the carnival is ridiculous, even for a carton. Woody’s choice to leave Bonnie is odd, because it contradicts everything he emphasized to Forky. It is hypocritical that he leaves, when Forky was not allowed to make the same choice earlier in the movie. What happens when Bonnie regains interest in Woody and wants to play with him? In the first movie Andy temporarily lost interest in Woody when he received Buzz as a gift, but regains interest in Woody midway through the movie. What is the lesson of “Toy Story 4'? All the other “Toy story” movies had good relatable lessons. Ducky and Bunny were not funny. There is one point where they fantasize about attacking an old lady, which is weird. I advise people to skip this movie. Watch the earlier “Toy Story” movies. If you are looking for movies with strong female characters that don’t bash men, I recommend “Moana,” “The Wild Thornberries movie,” “Barbie in the Princess and the Pauper,” “Balto 2 Wolf Quest,” “The Secret of Nimh,” “Lilo and Stitch,” “The BFG,” and “Frozen 2.” Hollywood should learn that bashing men is not how you empower women. If you want to make a female character heroic have her do something noble or brave. A hero puts the needs of others before her self.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 1