Annlyel James 
Annlyel shares her thoughts on Disney’s latest adventure with Woody and Buzz!
These days there are a lot of sequels, reboots, prequels, remakes, you name it, Hollywood’s going to do it. We’re even getting a sequel to one of the greatest horror movies of all time! The Shining. Why do we need a sequel to a movie that was better off left untouched? Because Hollywood wants to find the next way to milk more money from our pockets. Even Disney is creating live-action remakes of their classic animated films which have been met with more disdain than praise.
And that leads me to the Toy Story franchise. In 1995 an animated movie was made that would change how we would view toys forever; Toy Story. It told the story of a secret world we knew nothing about. We learned that toys’ lives surround their daily duty to bring us who play with them boundless joy. But there can also be jealousy. Jealousy is the main factor that drives Toy Story and it leads the main characters, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, on a grand, hilarious adventure that has managed to stand the test of time.
It was a perfect movie that didn’t need to have a sequel but four years later it was given one anyway. We were introduced to new characters and were given another fascinating adventure that left everyone wanting more from the lovable toys. And then there was an eleven-year hiatus before we ended up getting yet another sequel to the franchise; Toy Story 3. This was supposed to be the conclusion to the franchise and it was beautiful.
It was filled with humor, it told a concise, emotional story, and heck yeah it made me cry. It was a wonderful conclusion between Woody and his beloved kid, Andy and I really thought it was the end. Now we have Toy Story 4. This could’ve been the hatchet in the franchise. The blowtorch to melt the perfect icing on the cake. It, in short, could’ve suffered under the sequel curse.
If you’re not familiar with the sequel curse take these films for example.
One of the best action movies of all time is Speed which stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. It’s an amazing film that’s practically perfect…until the end. But that’s a whole other story. Then there was Speed 2: Cruise Control, which is better left unspoken about.
There was Jurassic Park which became an instant classic for its OUTSTANDING visual effects and horrifyingly riveting storytelling. It was perfect. But the studios wanted more. Four sequels have been dragged out of the franchise and neither film, even the box-office juggernaut Jurassic World, was able to surpass the movie that started it all.
Hellboy is one of the best, most underrated superhero movies of all time with a fascinating storyline, a terrific ensemble of characters, and the perfect cast to play them. Its sequels/reboots have been nightmares.
And don’t even get me started with all of the X-Men sequels.
You see, the sequel curse has claimed hundreds of movies which started excitingly and ended tragically. There are, however, those rare trilogies or series that manage to produce more than one or two films that are actually really, really good. The Toy Story franchise is one of them.
When I went to see Toy Story 4 last week it’s one of the few times I walked into the theater entirely expecting to see a good movie. The question was; how good was it going to be? From Toy Story to Toy Story 4 the formula has relatively stayed the same. There’s humor, action, drama, stakes, and those sentimental moments that make you cry. And the creators of this franchise have not changed this incredible blueprint that is the heart of the Toy Story franchise. The only thing that has changed over the years are the characters, environments, and situations.
Can it be a little tiring seeing the same formula used for every movie? It can be but the writers behind these films have perfected conveying the same formula over and over again while still keeping it fresh and exciting at the same time. I don’t know how they do it and I have to commend them for pulling it off four times in a row.
Toy Story 4 is going to be nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars and it deserves to. This movie serves good feelings to you on a platter nonstop and it only reiterated my love for toys. Whether you’re an adult or a child do yourself a favor. Go watch Toy Story 4 just for the heck of it. It’s worth the watch and it’s a great way to spend time with your family this summer.
The Future of the Force. The future of pop culture writing.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and featured articles? Just hit “Like” on our Facebook page and “Follow” us on our Future of the Force Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
