Between Playtime, a Group of Toys Has More Transitions to Face

Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Forky (voiced by
Tony Hale) in "Toy Story 4"
Photo Credit: RottenTomatoes.com

In 2010, Disney and Pixar brought audiences the much-anticipated “Toy Story 3,” a film that concluded the storyline of Andy and his toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), with a satisfying finale that couldn’t have been more perfect.  Because of this, it was impossible to think that anymore movies would be made in this series.  So, when “Toy Story 4” was announced four years later, it was difficult not to think that this would be more than an unjustified cash grab.

To my pleasant surprise, this fourth installment, directed by Josh Cooley (his feature directorial debut), is much more than what I thought it would be, delivering a clever, funny, and emotional continuation that’s on par with what came before.

Two years after the events of the third movie, the toys’ new owner, Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw), and her parents (Lori Alan and Jay Hernandez) take a road trip before she begins kindergarten.  When a new toy that she made, Forky (Tony Hale), and Woody become lost, they go on an adventure that will give them new insights into their lives as toys.

The characters that we’ve come to know over the last three movies make a welcome return, but it’s Woody and Buzz who continue to make these movies what they are.  The voice work from Hanks and Allen is a terrific as ever, building upon the friendship between their characters that established the foundation for this series.  However, of these two, it’s Woody who’s front and center for this installment, embarking on a journey that forces him to confront his purpose and has him make some of the toughest decisions his character has ever made.  Woody’s story has all been leading up to this, helping to make this a film that you might not have thought was needed, but has a special place in this series.

As with the other two sequels, this one does a superb job with introducing memorable new characters.  There’s Hale as the hilarious Forky, a plastic fork with googly eyes and pipe-cleaner arms; comedy duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Ducky and Bunny, respectively, two stuffed animals with endless witty banter; Christina Hendricks as Gabby Gabby, a 1950s pullstring doll with some heartbreak in her life; and Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, a daring stuntman who always aims to impress.

The story also brings back Bo Peep (Annie Potts, who voiced the character in the first and second films), a porcelain figurine who was said in the third movie to have been given away, has a prominent role in the story.  Although she’s not a new character, the transformation that we see in her makes her feel like a fresh and exciting addition.  With these new characters mixed in with the returning ones, it’s clear that this series hasn’t lost it’s ability to juggle dozens of characters and have each of them be memorable in some way.

The screenplay by Stephany Folsom and Andrew Stanton manages the impossible and somehow create a narrative that’s able to continue to adventures of these toys that we’ve loved for years.  Throughout the other three movies, the toys are confronted with various issues in which they much confront themselves and think about what it means to live as a toy, and this film succeeds in providing another angle from which to explore the directions in which their existences as toys are taking them.  Just like in the other installments, this film focuses on the connection that children feel when they become attached to a toy, something that can provide them with emotional support in a time of uncertainty, which is highlighted in a scene near the beginning of the film where Bonnie creates Forky during her kindergarten orientation.  This also sheds light on a child’s imagination of not just taking an ordinary toy and playing with it, but creating something on their own and giving it its identity and purpose, which is something that Woody and Forky explore within themselves during the movie.  The last three films had insightful themes running through them, and it’s terrific to see that this installment does so as well, especially when it didn’t seem like there was anywhere else for this series to go after the third movie ended.

Cooley treats audiences to the best animation that this series has seen.  It’s remarkable to think how far the animation has come ever since the first film was released in 1995.  There’s a beauty to everything that you see within the designs of the toys and the places where the narrative takes them, and we witness how the animation has evolved every bit as much as the characters and story.

The other three “Toy Story” movies have offered flawless blends of comedy and emotion, and Cooley makes sure not to make this installment any different.  This movie will have you cracking up at one scene and then becoming misty-eyed in the next because Cooley knows that there’s so much to the arcs of these characters in which we become invested, and having us experience multiple emotions throughout the movie is one of the main reasons why these films are as good as they are.  These films have a lot to give us in terms of story and characters, which causes us to always move between laughs and tears and have a cherished moviegoing experience.

As much as I love this series, “Toy Story 4” is a great place where it can end.  The filmmakers and characters have given us plenty of wonderful memories with the times that we’ve spent with Woody, Buzz, and the gang, and I can’t thank them enough.

Grade: A

While Working for a Talk Show, a Writer Sets Out to Prove Her Worth

Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson in "Late Night"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

Mindy Kaling has had an admirable career as a writer and actress in television comedies, most notably “The Mindy Project” and “The Office.”  Having written many episodes for each of those shows and two memoirs, it’s clear that she has made a name for herself as a writer every bit as much as an actress.

Her life as a writer, particularly her experience of being the only female on the writing staff when she joined “The Office,” serves as the inspiration for the film, “Late Night,” which is written by Kaling and directed by Nisha Ganatra.  The result is a fun and funny office-comedy with emotion behind it and lively performances from its two leads.

For nearly three decades, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) has dominated late-night television with her talk show.  But, when a drop in her popularity causes the network to choose to replace her as a host, Katherine decides to hire a female to had some freshness to her writing team.  When Molly Patel (Kaling) is given the coveted job, she works her hardest to make a good impression and find success in the world of show business.

Thompson offers an energetic and snarky performance as the acclaimed talk-show host.  She embraces the quick-wittedness of her character as she exhibits dynamic deliveries of humorous put-downs that she throws at her staff.  There’s a fiery quality to Thompson’s comical personality that offers a bit of unpredictability to how her character will interact with others, making Thompson an enjoyable actress to view as she traverses a turning point her in career.  However, as the film enters its third act, Thompson’s able to sideline Katherine’s rough-around-the-edges exterior as we explore the softer persona, adding an intriguing aspect about how those that make us laugh the most might not have as easy of a life as we may imagine.

Kaling is radiant as the eager-eyed go-getter who’s determined to show her worth within a group of people who don’t believe she belongs with them.  She displays her character’s resilience as Molly refuses to let her coworkers’ abrasiveness get to her and shows an ingenuity in how to improve Katherine’s show.  Molly has a lot riding on this once-in-a-lifetime chance, and Kaling shows Molly’s enthusiasm of giving her new career all that she can in order to exhibit her skills as a comedic writer.

John Lithgow offers an endearing supporting performance as Katherine’s husband.  He brings out a kindness that Katherine seems to need in her life, a sort of balancing act that tries to even out the sugar and vinegar.  With just a few scenes, he and Thompson form a deep connection that has you feel the years of love between them.

Kaling’s screenplay can be a little on-the-nose at times with its message, but there’s still a sharpness to its relevancy on the importance of having diverse voices in the workplace, and this invests you in Molly’s journey as she transitions into, and tries to maintain, her dream job.  The narrative has us witness the hurdles that she must overcome, showing Molly as she goes from isolation to acceptance, detailing the progression that she makes from having a rocky first day to having the confidence to share her ideas and make herself heard.

Aside from the humor, there are some touches of emotion behind the wit, particularly in the third act where Katherine’s character must handle some personal problems when they spill into her professional life.  Ganatra is able to jump between the humor and drama as the film focuses on Katherine’s comical and barbed dialogues with her staff and the strains of her personal life.  Ganatra keeps up the energy of Molly’s workplace as wee see the behind-the-scenes aspects of show business, but never hesitates to slow the movie down when it approaches the deeper moments between the characters.

Besides offering an abundance of laughs, some sections of drama, and timely themes, “Late Night” isn’t just a tribute to the importance of living your dream, but also what it means to work for it.

Grade: A-

A Husband and Wife Build a Farm on a Promise and a Dream

John Chester and Emma the Pig in "The Biggest Little Farm"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

It’s amazing what one can do when they have a dream in mind.  The courage that it takes to make it come true is essential, and once you find yourself overcoming hurdles and achieving your goal, you look back and wonder what was holding you back in the first place.

Director John Chester shares his and his wife’s, Molly, story of chasing their seemingly impossible dream in the documentary, “The Biggest Little Farm,” an inspiring movie about taking a dream and running with it, no matter how crazy it may seem to others.

In 2010, John and Molly decide to move from their Los Angeles apartment to Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, California, in order to restore it and make a new living.  While they encounter as many problems as successes, they will do whatever they can to keep their farm in thriving condition.

We’re introduced to John and Molly in such a way that provides us with an idea of how much they care for animals, and this is where they talk about their dog, Todd, who’s a rescue.  They mention how they promised Todd that their home would be his last because he was going to be with them for as long as possible.  When they’re told to either comply with an eviction notice because of Todd’s constant barking or give him up, this drives them to start their own farm.  From this act of kindness, we can ascertain that their love for animals is going to be one of the main forces behind the success of the farm.  It’s a heartwarming notion that leads into many others, and seeing how a promise made to their dog turns into John and Molly’s dream farm shows the things that impact your future can come from unexpected places.

Throughout the movie, John and Molly provide in-depth explanations as to how their farm works, what they plan to cultivate, and the animals for which they care.  This shows us the tremendous undertaking that’s going to change their lives, and it’s this thought-provoking account that makes you feel lucky to go on this journey with them as you discover the numerous intricacies of nature that can be found on their farm.  They pour their hearts into the farm, and the love that they display for what they’re trying to accomplish creates something that’s as uplifting as it is beautiful.

John, as the film’s narrator, dives into the complexities concerning nature on the farm by explaining the connections between every living thing that can be found at Apricot Lane.  It’s an ecosystem that has many functions at play in order to keep everything in a delicate balance.  We see how hard John and Molly work to maintain that stability and how they overcome the issues that arise when trying to make sure that the farm runs as smoothly as possible.

The farm is sometimes described by John and Molly as something out of a storybook.  This is complimented by the occasional use of animated sequences that detail the initial thought process and beginning of John and Molly’s journey about how they plan on constructing their farm.  These scenes add to the vibrancy of the documentary by immersing us in the plans to which John and Molly have chosen to dedicate their lives.  The title of the movie alone sounds like the that of a story that you would find on your bookshelf as a child, one that you could read many times because of how uplifting the story is and how timeless its message is.

The cinematography by John Chester, Benji Lanpher, Mallory Cunningham, Chris Martin, and Kyle Romanek captures all of the big and small details of the intricacies of nature within the farm.  Whether it be something as minor as insect eggs on the vegetation, or the grand aerial shots of the farmland, the camerawork shows everything that’s involved in this dream of John and Molly’s.  As we go from shots of desolate property at the start to flourishing grass and tress, we see the commitment that the two have put into making their dream become a reality.

“The Biggest Little Farm” is an exemplification of the power of hard work and how dreams can be achieved when you’re willing to put a great deal of time and effort into them, with John and Molly’s dedication encouraging us to do the same with whatever we might like to pursue.  Just like the plants and food that emerge from John and Molly’s farm, our dreams require a seed to give it a start, and when they have our devotion to seeing it through, they can grow, and grow, and grow.

Grade: A

A Musical Prodigy Enjoys Fame and Battles Personal Demons

Taron Egerton in "Rocketman"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

Biopics about musicians can offer fascinating stories, as they allow for us to see the events of their lives that inspired their songs.  The experiences that they have can offer great stories and show us who they are as artists, and one musician whose life lends itself to a layered story is that of the vibrant and iconic singer, Elton John.

Director Dexter Fletcher brings Elton’s rise-to-fame story to the screen with “Rocketman,” a well-acted, visually dazzling, and energetically choreographed movie that works as both a musical and an in-depth portrait of the more-personal aspects of the famous singer.

Ever since he was young, Reginald “Reggie” Dwight (Taron Egerton) exhibited a natural talent at playing piano.  As he gets older, his career begins to soar, but his life is soon hindered by personal issues that threaten everything for which he has worked.

Egerton, who collaborated with Fletcher for the 2016 sports comedy-drama, “Eddie the Eagle,” exhibits is endless charisma, rocking to the beats as his character performs for enthusiastic crowds, all in a performance that treats audiences to an amplitude of Elton’s love for music.  Egerton brings a superb amount of dedication to the role, doing a lot of his own singing and immersing himself in the passion that Elton brings to his musicianship.  

While Egerton shows his dramatic range throughout the film, such as dealing with his addictions, his scenes in a therapy session (which frames the story) are just as hard-hitting.  In these sequences, Egerton displays Elton’s pain for sharing the stories about his childhood and stardom, but also the relief later on in having confided his problems in people who are going through tough times, like himself.    

Jamie Bell offers a performance that’s just as strong as Egerton’s, portraying Elton’s songwriter and friend, Bernie Taupin.  He’s someone who’s always there in Elton’s corner, knowing what’s best for their career, but showing the dejection when being pushed aside as Elton continues to fall into trouble.  Bell is understated in his portrayal of the character, but brings so much to the role as he tries to steer Elton in the right direction so their friendship can stay alive and allow them to make music.

Some of the standout supporting performances include Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother, Sheila Eileen, a character who seems to support her son at first, but soon begins to drift from him; and Richard Madden as Elton’s manager and lover, John Reid, who gives Elton the opportunity to live his desired lifestyle, but then loses sight of Elton’s best interests, in order to meet his own needs.  The relationships that Sheila and John have with Elton show the many strains that the latter suffered in his personal life, and the hostility that builds between Elton and these two people, who should be doing what they can to support his endeavors, adds considerable weight to the drama as Elton deals with mounting stress.

Although the story could have been a little longer because of how majestic Elton’s career has been, the screenplay by Lee Hall still provides a sufficient amount of insight into Elton’s life.  One of the memorable aspects of the story is the use of a therapy session as a framing device.  Every time the film cuts back to the session, a little bit more of Elton’s demon costume (which he was going to wear when performing at Madison Square Garden before leaving at the last minute to begin therapy) is removed, showing him opening up to the rest of the patients and casting his personal demons aside in order to begin a better life.

The conversations between the characters don’t fall into clichéd dialogue that you might find in other musical biopics, but instead sound like real, emotional dialogues with well-rounded characters.  These scenes are given enough time to explore Elton’s personal life and don’t allow the movie to become just about recreating Elton’s stage performances.  The interactions between Elton, his friends, his family, and his colleagues are scattered throughout the film, investing us in the troubles that Elton encounters and how he strives to overcome them in the middle of a burgeoning career.   

George Richmond’s camerawork is remarkable in how it captures the kinetic presence that Elton brought to his performances.  This is most notable in a scene early in the film where a younger Elton (Matthew Illesley) begins performing “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” in a bar, before walking outside and traversing through a fairground that’s filled with dancers, and then transitioning to a teenage Elton (Kit Connor) to continue the song.  This sequence is broken up into a couple of long takes that highlight the complexity of the camerawork and choreography.  Throughout this scene, the nonstop energy of Elton and the dancers compliment the scope of the background as nighttime at the fair comes alive and creates one of the best scenes that I’ve seen in film this year, so far.

Fletcher adds a ton of visual flair to the film, bringing to life the vision that Elton had for his countless performances.  Before working on this film, Fletcher was brought on to finish directing the 2018 Queen biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” after its original director, Bryan Singer, was fired from the production.  While you couldn’t tell which scenes were directed by which filmmaker, it’s clear from Fletcher’s work on “Rocketman” that he could have made a wonderful Queen biopic if he had been attached to “Bohemian Rhapsody” from the beginning, which speaks to how amazing of a job he does with “Rocketman.”

The approach to make this film into a musical helps to reinvigorate biopics about famous musicians.  By having several of the songs performed as song-and-dance numbers, rather than just having Elton sing them on stage or in a recording booth, it goes hand-in-hand with the theatricality of Elton’s stage presence.  With this, the film avoids many musician-biopic conventions and celebrates the thrilling creativity of Elton, a rocketman who reached for the stars and became a music legend.

Grade: A-