It’s been nine long years since Pixar’s last “Toy Story” film, so was it worth the wait? Film critics have spoken and while they give Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” generally positive reviews, they actually preferred the third film in the franchise — you know, the one that earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Where do you stand when it comes to naming your favorite “Toy Story” movie? Vote in our poll below and then be sure to defend your choice in the comments section.
“Toy Story 4” finds our lovable plastics and plushies traveling with new kid Bonnie on a road trip where Woody (Tom Hanks), who’s still yearning for his time with original kid Andy, soon comes into contact with a toy from his past. When the noble sheriff goes missing at a carnival it’s up to his old friends, including spaceman Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and deputy Jessie (Joan Cusack), to do everything they can to find Woody before time runs out.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Toy Story” adventure without meeting all kinds of new play-things, with the stand-outs being the made-from-trash Forky (Tony Hale), 1950s doll Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks), Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) and carnival toys Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele). Also keep your ears open for fun cast cameos by legendary Hollywood actors like Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Betty White and Carl Reiner.
The Academy Awards went gaga for the first three “Toy Story” movies (released in 1995, 1999 and 2010), even as the Best Animated Feature category wasn’t created until 2001. The original film won a Special Achievement Oscar and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Score and Best Song (“You’ve Got a Friend in Me”). The sequel earned a bid for Best Song (“When She Loved Me”). The third iteration won Best Animated Feature and Best Song (“We Belong Together”) and scored noms for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Editing. It’ll be a shocker if “Toy Story 4” doesn’t also receive some Oscar love when it competes at the 2020 ceremony.
Here’s a quick refresher of how each of the first three installments performed at the domestic U.S. box office. Tallies for “Toy Story 4” are still pouring in, but it’s currently hovering around the $350 million mark.
“Toy Story” (1995) — $191 million
“Toy Story 2” (1999) — $245 million
“Toy Story 3” (2010) — $415 million
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