Christian Mom Review of Toy Story 4

Is this Movie Suitable for All Ages?

Have you ever wondered what your role in life really is? For the Toy Story toys, this movie is about exploring who they are and what path they should take. Toy Story 4 is about more than the purpose of toys, it explores difficult concepts for kids such as starting Kindergarten, getting lost, and moving on. The Toy Story franchise has taught us so much about life, love, and growing up through the last 24 years, and Toy Story 4 is no different. In this Christian Mom Review of Toy Story 4, I give you the information needed to make decisions on whether or not this film may be suitable for your child.

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Synopsis of Toy Story 4

The gang is back for another installment of Toy Story. Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Buzz, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky, plus Bonnie’s toys are living the life with a kid who loves them. Bonnie is adorable and spunky, but when she has to go to Kindergarten, things change for her and the toys.

At Bonnie’s Kindergarten orientation, she makes Forky (make your own Forky here), a plastic spork with a pipe cleaner and googly eyes. Forky becomes Bonnie’s new favorite toy, but he is having a crisis. Forky believes he is trash. Woody’s mission has always been his kid, and while he is always looking out for Bonnie, his new mission is now to make sure that Forky doesn’t get lost or run away. He says this is for Bonnie’s happiness. However, we suspect that Woody is searching for purpose without Andy.

The Good:

Toy Story 4 brings back most of our favorite toys, and it also adds in new characters that may soon be favorites in your household. Ducky and Bunny are plush toys that go everywhere together. Gabby-Gabby is an old talking doll that has never had a child.

Additionally, I loved how they explain Bo Peep’s disappearance so many years ago. Bo is older, wiser, and more confident of her abilities. When Bo and Woody meet, the connection is instant. However, Bo has changed. She has embraced her life as a lost toy. To Woody, the term “lost toy” is a death sentence.

What Parents May Want to Know – Christian Mom Review of Toy Story 4:

There are some creepy moments, more creepy than I think is warranted in a G movie. The ventriloquist dolls seem horror movie like. Even Gabby-Gabby (the talking doll in the antique shop) appears evil at moments. Now if your child has never seen creepy doll movies or previews for them, this may not affect them. I did not notice any of the children (in a packed theater) bothered by this. 

Additionally, there is one line that rubbed me the wrong way. When Combat Carl hears of children in a playground, he says, “Combat Carl is getting played with.”

Furthermore, there are themes explored that may be upsetting to some children (and adults). If you want to know about these moments, continue reading below (under the spoiler alert). 

My Recommendation

This movie is suitable for all ages. (In the light of day, the ventriloquist dolls aren’t as scary as they originally seem which can be a great teaching moment for children. Things seem scarier in the dark).

See this movie with your family. Talk about the difficult situations that this movie explores. And make a Fporky or two with your kids!

GET YOUR TOY STORY 4 COLORING PAGES AND ACTIVITY SHEETS

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**********Continue on to read items parents may want to know before taking their children WHICH DOES INCLUDE SPOILERS **********

SPOILER ALERT FOR TOY STORY 4:

In this latest installment of Toy Story, there are some difficult situations explored. Have you ever had a friend move away? Do you remember how you felt? For children dealing with separation, this movie may bring up feelings that are hard for them to deal with.

At the end of the movie, Woody makes the decision to stay with Bo and leaves Bonnie, Buzz, Jessie and the gang. This may be triggering for some children who are dealing with a mother or father who has left, or an older sibling or friend. It may be especially hard if the parent has left the home to live with someone else.

This scene had me feeling like someone punched me in the gut. I know several people who have said this was a difficult scene for them.

In my family, I am child number 6 out of 7. My older siblings all left home while I was growing up. At ages 5, 7 and 11, I lacked the ability to truly understand why my siblings were leaving.

While talking with Jack-Jack, I asked him what happened between Bo, Woody, and Buzz, and he knew that Woody stayed with Bo and left his friends. This made him sad. And Jack-Jack also has had siblings leave and get married. Accepting these events is part of life, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t heart wrenching. 

On a lighter note, I wonder if this was a subtle nod at grown children still living in their parent’s homes. “It’s time to grow up and move on!”