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Pixar on the road

Posted : 1 year, 12 months ago on 5 May 2022 04:10

Am a big fan of Pixar and have been for two decades or so. Have not loved everything they've done, 'Cars 2 and 3' and 'The Good Dinosaur' (to a lesser extent too 'The Incredibles 2') disappointed though certainly didn't dislike any of them. Their best work though are masterpieces, for me the previous three 'Toy Story' films, 'Inside Out' and 'Coco' fit this distinction as do most of their short films.

Was in two minds when hearing that there was going to be a fourth 'Toy Story' film. Am somebody who would see the latest Pixar film, regardless of critical reception, at the earliest opportunity, not for nostalgia but for being an animation fan and having appreciation for high quality stuff. But it is very understandable that people are saying that they questioned the point of this being made and that 'Toy Story 3' was a perfect end, that was the very first reaction felt when first hearing of it. Those who weren't bowled over by this shouldn't be crucified for feeling underwhelmed and feeling that it was unnecessary.

My aforementioned initial reaction was still not completely quashed finally seeing 'Toy Story 4' for myself. Thought actually it was still a good film, namely on its own, but if quickly getting any comparisons out of the way it is quite a bit below the quality of the first three 'Toy Story' films and as far as Pixar films go it's towards the bottom in my opinion. Which is actually not a bad thing, it says a lot about how brilliant much of their work is. A lot of great qualities, but the disappointment from some is understandable.

The story is a slight one and can feel over-stretched, especially when in the latter antique store scenes. This is the only 'Toy Story' film where the pacing was flawed in my view. It is a shame too that most of the original gang are underused and their material not being much of note.

Buzz didn't have the same spark and it was like those involved had not remembered what made him so memorable. The ending is proof that the ending of the third film was the perfect note for the 'Toy Story' films to go out on, because this one is one of the most anti-climactic and unsatisfying-in-outcome for any recently seen film (for me that is).

However, the animation is superb and the component that actually improved with each film, although that in the first is ground-breaking. Was transfixed by the vibrant colours and rich background and character details, toys and humans. The antique store and fairground settings are vividly done. It was great to have Randy Newman back on board again, not easy to imagine a 'Toy Story' film without him and the magic hasn't been lost. Reprising "You've Got a Friend in Me" was a genius move and that was what stuck out most memorably in this particular regard.

Enough of the dialogue is witty and sharp, 'Toy Story 4' is far from laugh a minute but it is a long way from humourless. The best laughs coming from Ducky and Bunny, Duke Caboom was fun too. 'Toy Story 4' is not without soul either, found Gabby to be one of the Pixar's most empathetic and interesting supporting characters of their 2010s output (a "villainous" character that is not really a villain). Forky is likeable and his chemistry with Woody, on top form, is charming. It was great to see more of Bo Peep and her personality more developed, a mix of sympathetic and sassy. Her chemistry with Woody, which one really feels, is one of the film's biggest pleasures.

Voice acting is terrific, Tom Hanks, Annie Potts, Christina Hendricks and Tony Hale standing out. Didn't recognise Keanu Reeves either.

Overall, good film but not a great one. 7/10


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Toy Story 4

Posted : 4 years, 2 months ago on 28 February 2020 09:29

Toy Story 4’s announcement was met with trepidation on my part. The prior trilogy of films was as perfect as a franchise could get, including a closure that recalled the very beginning. How many other trilogies managed to be successful picking up after so prolonged a breather? Disney/Pixar risked depleting good will and making the prior films look slack in comparison if this fourth entry wasn’t, at minimum, entertaining.

 

Well, crisis averted, I guess, as Toy Story 4 is largely entertaining and capable of taking the franchise into new territory, be it with more films or shorts. But a larger part of me hopes that they leave well enough alone as the rust in the joints is very much evident. How many times can Woody and Buzz fight and/or try to remind each other of their true purpose?

 

Picking up back at Bonnie’s room, Woody is now the largely discarded and forgotten man. The cowboy that prided himself and knowing his place in a child’s ecosystem is about to careen into a mid-life crisis, or whatever the vintage toy version of that would be. Not only that, but we get a reunion with Bo-Peep, and an explanation of where she’s been this whole time, along with the franchise’s best new character in some time, Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves going for broke).

 

The problem is everything we’ve seen Woody go through on this personal odyssey has already happened before, and with more emotional investment in the previous entries. This is the Toy Story franchise spinning its plastic wheels in the mud desperately trying to escape. Brand fatigue hits different franchises in various ways, and there’s only so many stories of a toy’s obsolescence, and their fear of it, that can be told before it goes a bit thin.

 

Same goes for several of the new characters who feel like reskin of previous ones. Gabby (Christina Hendricks) is an abandoned toy gone to seed, Forky (Tony Hale) is a cobbled together misfit, quirky toys stumbled upon in an overwhelming setting (Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele), each of them have the mark of familiarity and recall comparisons that don’t serve the fourth entry any favors. In the end it’s still hard to imagine a better sendoff for this franchise than the third film and its tear wringing pathos.  



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A welcome and worthwhile epilogue

Posted : 4 years, 2 months ago on 19 February 2020 03:04

Back in 2010, Pixar Studios defied the odds to deliver the excellent Toy Story 3, a long-delayed sequel which closed the Toy Story series on a fitting, cathartic, pitch-perfect note. Arriving nine years later, 2019's Toy Story 4 sees Pixar defying the odds once again, producing a third sequel that confidently avoids tarnishing Toy Story's esteemed legacy. With newcomer Josh Cooley at the helm, this fourth Toy Story feature does not attempt to retcon the earlier films, or extend the brand awkwardly or unnaturally - instead, it assuredly justifies its existence by exploring fertile narrative and thematic ground. Recapturing the spirit of its predecessors, Toy Story 4 is immense fun, delivering all the requisite comedy, adventure, joy, and whimsy that has characterised this franchise since the beginning.


This sequel picks up two years after Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of Andy's toys were donated to young Bonnie (Madeline McGraw). However, Bonnie has started neglecting Woody; she ignores him during playtime, and puts his sheriff badge on Jessie (Joan Cusack) instead. Still determined to protect Bonnie, Woody sneaks along for her kindergarten orientation where she creates a new plaything out of a spork: the neurotic, googly-eyed Forky (Tony Hale). Bonnie loves Forky, but he instantly experiences an existential crisis, believing that he is garbage as opposed to an actual toy. Woody serves as Forky's around-the-clock guardian, an undertaking that gets more complicated when Bonnie's family goes on a road trip. Getting lost after Forky dives out of the RV, Woody and his new pal find themselves at an antique store where they encounter a talking doll, Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks). As Buzz and the other toys search for their friends, Woody is held captive by Gabby Gabby, who intends to rejuvenate herself by stealing his voice box. The adventure reunites Woody with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and her sheep, who now live as nomad adventurers without a child owner.

Perhaps inevitably, Toy Story 4 plays out with a different tone to the preceding films. It's still Toy Story with the same brand of scenarios, but it deals with fresh themes and ideas, and subsequently feels like somewhat of a standalone movie even though it does tie off a loose plot thread from Toy Story 3. Indeed, an opening prologue details Bo Peep's initial departure from the group, with Woody forced to choose between the woman he loves and Andy's bedroom, which sets up the main thrust of this story. (The intervening years with Bo are briskly covered in the Disney+ exclusive short movie, Lamp Life.) Once the story hits the road with Bonnie's family, Toy Story 4 splits up the principal toys, with screenwriters Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom labouring to include everybody in some capacity. Woody's story is easily the meatiest while Buzz's subplot is less involving, as he searches for his "inner voice" in the form of his pre-recorded Space Ranger voice messages. Buzz has less to do here compared to the previous movies, while the script also sidelines the rest of the returning characters, which is a bit disappointing.


Toy Story 4 is not an all-out sobfest like Toy Story 3, but the finale does tug on the heartstrings, and those who grew up with these flicks will find the ending indescribably affecting. Toy Story 3 saw the toys coming to terms with mortality and time, but this fourth movie involves the main characters dealing with self-actualisation. This theme is primarily explored in Woody's arc, as he ponders his true purpose and struggles to remain a leader/guardian. Unwanted by Bonnie, the cowboy desperately clings to his longstanding role in the group, with his increasingly meaningless existence now solely consumed with safeguarding Bonnie's happiness. Woody takes the initiative with the arrival of Forky, frantically trying to maintain order and prevent the spork from committing suicide. Furthermore, Gabby Gabby is a more layered villain than expected; instead of an outright sinister antagonist, Gabby Gabby adds welcome poignancy to the story and contributes to Woody's character growth. However, as ever, even though there are deeper themes at play, Toy Story 4 does not skimp on the laughs - the writing is witty and razor-sharp, making this one of 2019's most effective comedies. Indeed, like many of Pixar's movies, Toy Story 4 is hugely entertaining, but there is also more to the feature than just humour and adventure. Likewise, the narrative does incorporate familiar story beats, but the sophisticated and confident execution prevents the movie from feeling perfunctory or formulaic.

The improvements in Pixar's animation techniques since 1995 are all over the screen, but Toy Story 4 also takes things a step further. In addition to the animation looking more detailed than ever, the cinematography and lighting are particularly exceptional, as the animators deliberately simulate the look of specific camera lenses from shot to shot, down to anamorphic/spherical distortion, careful focus, and even grain/noise. Furthermore, as usual, Pixar gets ample mileage from creating perilous set-pieces in everyday locations with banal things - the antique store, for instance, is the stage for a rescue mission, and the toys face great risk in the form of a cat. The franchise's long-time composer, Randy Newman, also returns for this instalment, cooking up a flavoursome soundtrack that's wholly in keeping with his melodic contributions to the original trilogy. Newman even contributes a new original song, "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away," which received an Oscar nomination.


Without a doubt, it's the supporting cast who steal the show in Toy Story 4. Sure, the returning cast is magnificent from top to bottom, as the performers immaculately slip back into their respective roles, but the new characters deliver the lion's share of the laughs. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are roll-on-the-ground hilarious as a snarky pair of stuffed carnival animals, while the always-reliable Keanu Reeves brings terrific oomph and enthusiasm as overeager Canadian daredevil Duke Caboom. Tony Hale is another comedic standout as Forky, giving the timid utensil a legitimate personality and easily earning big laughs. Out of the main cast, Hanks does most of the heavy lifting in terms of drama, and his effortless gravitas elevates the material. Plus, Toy Story 4 sees the return of Annie Potts as Bo, who ably handles a more prominent role in this story. Moreover, Bo's character evolution is intriguing, with the formally soft-spoken love interest becoming a self-assured, self-sufficient action heroine, and Potts convincingly sells the characterisation. Hanks and Potts' interplay is a constant joy, as well, infusing the picture with genuine heart. Admittedly, the movie does miss hitting darker notes in the Woody/Bo relationship, particularly in regards to their philosophical differences, but this is a negligible misstep.

At first glance, this basic plot could have been turned into another Toy Story television special or Disney+ original. However, there is weight and significance to Toy Story 4's narrative, which sparkles with the same adventurous spirit as its predecessors while finding interesting new places for the characters to go. Even though this is more or less a victory lap sequel, it's miraculous how fresh the film feels, and it does not carry the commercial/cash-in vibe of other Pixar sequels. In fact, while Toy Story 4 still primarily targets a young audience, this instalment is actually more relatable for adults, as it's a story about coping with loss and change. Toy Story 3 felt like the perfect conclusion to a perfect trilogy, but this fourth film is a worthwhile and welcome epilogue. Hilarious, visually stunning, exciting, swiftly-paced, and emotional, Toy Story 4 is further proof that, even with a few misfires under the studio's belt, it's foolish to underestimate Pixar. Be sure to stick around for additional material during the end credits.

8.8/10


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A good movie

Posted : 4 years, 2 months ago on 12 February 2020 01:25

When I heard that they were coming up with a new sequel, I can’t say I was really excited but since it had been well received (it even recently won the Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature Film) and since I have always been a fan of Pixar, I still had to watch it at some point. Well, to be honest, it gave me pretty much the same feeling I had while watching ‘Toy Story 3’. Indeed, the animation was once again quite amazing but I wouldn’t expect less from Pixar and it was definitely an entertaining new tale. However, pretty much like its predecessor, it still felt like a rather useless sequel which didn’t add much to the flawless 1st two instalments. First of all, the story was hardly original. Indeed, once again, some toy got lost and, once again, Woody had to face some identity crisis which was pretty much what happened during every single ‘Toy Story’ movie. Furthermore, one of the main themes in the whole franchise was that the main purpose for any toy was to make a child completely happy but, in my opinion, this idea was pretty much contradicted in this new sequel. Anyway, to conclude, even if I wasn’t really blown away, it was still a decent effort from Pixar and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.



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Toy Story 4 review

Posted : 4 years, 3 months ago on 19 January 2020 04:58

Oh yes, I enjoy toy stories, they're kind of joyous 'internet of things', as dreamed in the first merry melodies with domestic things alife. Good paced...


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Toy Story 4 review

Posted : 4 years, 9 months ago on 11 July 2019 05:34

Creo que desde el solo anuncio de una parte 4 para la franquicia más popular de Pixar yo estaba en una renuente posición que esto era una mala idea y que el producto final resultaría en una cansina reiteración de los temas vistos en anteriores entregas.
Para mi sorpresa, mi última asunción terminó siendo parcialmente incorrecta. Si bien ciertos elementos de las antecesoras se repiten en la película (como la constante de cambio acompañado de una decisión o la gastada línea narrativa de que los juguetes se pierden y tienen que regresar donde su dueño), esta cuarta parte trata de evocar una especie de mensaje contraste respecto a lo visto en la trilogía, sobretodo en la tercera película (la cual buscaba transmitir un sentido de esperanza en la unidad frente a las consecuencias del final de una era). Citando a lo expresado por Joel Mayward respecto al filme: “Todo esto sale literalmente por la ventana en una vanagloria a la autonomía estricta y abrazo a la pérdida de uno como una vocación heroica en lugar de un estado para evitar”. Sin llevarlo al extremo de Sid Philips, muestran al conjunto niños como una sociedad más cínica para los juguetes, en contraste de la grata experiencia que fueron Andy y los chicos mayores de la guardería.
Lamentablemente este mensaje y enfoque se construye sobre Woody, quien debería ser la máxima representación de los ideales expuestos en las anteriores películas. Entiendo que esta trata de ver el cambio como una alternativa totalmente viable cuando alguien entra en conflicto respecto a la situación en la que se encuentra dentro de su vida, pero no da razones válidas que explique el porqué Woody entra en cuestionamiento en un lapso de tiempo tan corto desde lo ocurrido en la tercera película: Si decimos que es por el hecho de que no juegan con él en los meses que estuvo con Bonnie, no aplicaría sabiendo que estuvo años sin ser utilizado por Andy y nunca dio indicios de este tipo de actitud; es más, en ese mismo filme Woody, después de pasar un día en el cuarto de Bonnie, regresa a la guardería rechazando el quedarse en el cuarto de la niña, arriesgando sus posibilidades de ir a la casa de Andy e incluso su propia vida por ir a salvar a los suyos, aún cuando estos criticaron sus acciones; pues terminó aprendiendo que lo importante en situaciones así es mantenerse unidos. Aspecto que esta entrega lo mutila en un lapso muy corto de tiempo, haciendo ver irrelevante lo vivido en entregas pasadas. Estos factores claramente merman el viaje de nuestro protagonista, pues no lo sentimos tan importante dado que bajo las situaciones presentadas por la película, a él tampoco le debería importar, ¿Por qué no hacer recaer este enfoque principal sobre un personaje nuevo? Generas el contexto de este desde cero sin preocuparse porque choque de forma grosera con lo planteado anteriormente, además que de paso no se sentiría tanto el estar viendo otra vez a Woody tomando una decisión sobre si aferrarse o dejar ir, solo que con enfoques distintos.
Por otro lado, me parece acertado el hecho de que los personajes de las anteriores películas no tengan demasiada participación en el filme pero, ¿por qué no hicieron lo mismo con Buzz? En esta entrega el astronauta se convierte en el personaje de un solo chiste, que sí, la película lo usa de manera ingeniosa pero a favor de la trama y no del personaje, es decir, todo lo de la voz interior no va a ningún lado con él y es muy frustrante ya que, si querían hacer que Woody saliera del grupo era la oportunidad perfecta para mostrar a Buzz como el nuevo lider a cargo pero no, él y toda la mancha son una manga de incompetentes que no se dan cuenta que Forky era un juguete especial para Bonnie. Encima le dicen a Woody final de la película que no se preocupe ya que Bonnie va a estar bien, aaaahh... chicos, ¿cómo se las van a arreglar ahora sin Woody? Si no fuese por él, Forky no hubiese regresado con a casa y las cosas serían peor con la niña.
Pasando a los nuevos personajes, Betty es reintroducida en la película con el nombre en inglés y una personalidad rescrita pasando a ser un personaje algo tranquilo al de una chica fuerte e independiente, irónicamente le falta independencia como personaje. No tiene un arco como tal ya que básicamente es un personaje ya desarrollado trás bambalinas y su rol se remite en ser un soporte al protagonista más que otra cosa, además de una discusión que tiene con este y que acaba de forma algo abrupta. Forky, quien tiene sí tiene un conflicto propio termina resolviendo su dilema y aceptando su naturaleza demasiado rápido en el filme, para posteriormente solo tener el rol de damisela en apuro y alivio cómico. Los peluches no tienen un objetivo de peso, pero sí me agradaron varias de sus escenas graciosas. El Keanu Reeves motociclista también es agradable de ver, pero me parece que su participación es algo limitada.
Bueno, al menos Gaby Gaby es una mejor antagonista que los vistos en las dos anteriores entregas, al tener una justificación más razonable en hacer lo que hace. Ella es una muñeca con una caja de voz malograda y el miedo de no poder sentirse amada por un niño dado que es defectuosa la convierte en el villano y en la jefa de las marionetas… Esperen un momento. ¿Cómo es que ella se vuelve en la que está a cargo de estos tipos? Es decir, con Lotso se entiende que se volviera en el jefe de Sunnyside dado que tenía a un bebote gigante acompañándolo, pero Gaby Gaby (sí, su cierre del arco es bastante satisfactorio) pero incluso en ese entonces sigo en el shock de porqué la obedecen. No tiene ninguna cualidad para que lo hagan.
Sin lugar a dudas, el apartado técnico es nuevamente destacable en la película. La mitad de la ella ocurre en una feria, pero eso no fue impedimento para que cada ambiente dentro de esta no se sintiera monótono en sí. También hay una mejora en el renderizado y el modelado de los nuevos personajes. Por otro lado, el filme remasteriza algunos temas del soundtrack de las anteriores películas, además de añadir algunos nuevos que no me parecieron tan memorables como los anteriores, aunque siguen estando bien. Pero, ¿saben qué? Esto ni me anima en el film, y no me anima porque si bien no llega al nivel de flojera creativa vistos en otras películas de Pixar, el hecho que se desperdicie un enfoque diferente de una idea vieja y un trabajo técnico hecho con sumo cuidado por la toma de malas decisiones, la rescritura de personajes y una contradicción injustificada a algunos aspectos relevantes de entregas posteriores la convierten en una experiencia incómoda de ver.


Calificación: 5/10




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