Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews

Director Josh Cooley
Screenplay Stephany Folsom, Andrew Stanton
Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Madeleine McGraw, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves, Ally Maki, Jay Hernandez, Lori Alan, Joan Cusack

There’s only so many times a toy can need rescuing. There are only so many lessons toys can learn about their value or what the really important about being Andy’s or Bonnie’s toy. The animation is great. There are some fun new companions. There’s #metoo representation. There’s also no reason to keep making these films.

The story starts with Woody (Hanks) and the gang working with Bo Peep (Potts) to rescue a toy. After a successful mission, Bo Peep is taken away. Forward 9 years, they have a new toy, Forky (Hale) that Bonnie has created out of some garbage. Forky thinks that’s all he is, so he’s constantly heading back to the can.

The rest of the story involves moving vehicles, wandering toys, and scary looking possible bad toys. Then one toy found its way to freedom…and liked it.

As I said. No reason to stay in this cycle.

Fortunately, the filmmakers recognized this too.

Em hates the ending. It’s not what one would expect. For me, it’s the film’s most redeeming value. Only if they stop before they get much further behind.

(***1/2 out of *****)