Toy Story 4
Some old friends are back! Almost a decade after "Toy Story 3," Disney/Pixar opens the toy chest for a fourth. A new toy joins Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang when little Bonnie creates "Forky" (voiced by "Veep's" Tony Hale) in kindergarten orientation.
In the other big storyline, a road trip with all the toys reunites Woody with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (Demented ventriloquist dolls and a creepy Chatty Cathy-type in an antique shop are part of the journey.) We also are introduced to a Canadian stunt rider voiced by Keanu Reaves, who is hilariously unconfident. So, I'll repeat what I said about sequels last week: a good reason and a fresh outlook are mandatory. We all thought the 'Toy Story' franchise was a wrap with the trilogy, so this seemed like a cash grab until you see the film. It's smart, hilarious, absolutely beautiful, and the theme about the usefulness of toys has universal meaning. If you don't have tears streaming down your cheeks at the end, then you don't get it. I actually want a fifth!
Disney/Pixar - Rated G
Child's Play
A very different kind of toy story cleverly goes up against Disney. "Child's Play" is a new take on the 1988 horror classic. I skipped this as I'm not a fan of gratuitous violence. Though if one thing were to draw me to it, it would be Aubrey Plaza, one of my favorites. She plays the single mom who makes the mistake of gifting her son with that sinister doll, "Chucky." Mark Hamill voices the doll, so Luke Skywalker has definitely gone rogue!
Orion Pictures - Rated R
Also opening:
Being Frank — Jim Gaffigan stars as a 'family man' who's leading a double life as the head of a second family. The Film Arcade - Rated R
Anna — Introducing Russian model Sasha Luss in Luc Besson's latest feminist empowerment film. Lionsgate - Rated R
Papi Chulo — Matt Bomer plays a TV weatherman who befriends a migrant worker. Blue Fox Entertainment - Rated R
The Fall of the American Empire — A French Canadian heist film that doubles as social satire - Sony Pictures Classics - Rated R
