Opinion: Why Toy Story 4 Is A Bad Idea

Opinion: Why Toy Story 4 Is A Bad Idea

 

Oh Twitter, you frustrating little bird. No sooner had a sequel to Pixar's fantastic Finding Nemo been announced than thousands of Twitter addicts all around the world began trending the self-started rumour of Toy Story 4. Honestly, Pixar gives an inch and the fans invent their own mile to take. I clicked on the trend, dreading what I would find, and lo and behold it was just as I feared. To quote a couple:

'omg Finding Nemo 2 and Monsters Inc 2 and Toy Story 4! My childhood has returned!!!'

'Toy Story 4 just announced - excuse me while I run around!!!'

I slapped my hand to my face in a frustrated manner a couple of times, before I proceeded to ask them for their proof on the matter. One reply:

'I dno lol it was trending.'

Facepalm. 

It really says a lot about social networking these days that a rumour so powerful can be instantly accepted by so many individuals who fail to do any research on the matter. It only took me ten seconds to find out: I typed Toy Story 4 into Google and - surprise, surprise - there was no news indicating any such announcement.

Still, it raises an interesting question. Giving that the hashtag was trending worldwide, I've no doubt that Pixar has had a sneaky peak at the fan reaction to the rumour. Most of the reception was positive (bar myself and a few other brave crusaders seeking the truth), so should Pixar go ahead?

For goodness sake mate, you're a grown man now!

First, lets take a look at the Toy Story movies so far. Pixar's most beloved franchise is currently holding the impressive title of the most successful trilogy of all time (ahead of The Lord of the Rings and the original Star Wars movies), with Toy Story 1 and 2 boasting 100% fresh ratings on rotten tomatoes, and Toy Story 3 a peachy 97%. So they've done well for themselves, right? Does that mean that they should carry on? No. The phrase 'quit while you're ahead' comes into mind.

When Toy Story 3 was announced, fans jumped for joy. Toy Story 2 ended on an appropriately cheery note, however there was always a nagging feeling that there was space for a final ending.

Throughout the second instalment, Woody is constantly conflicted, knowing that if he goes back to Andy his years as a beloved toy are numbered. By the end, the toys are home and happy for the time being, but we know that eventually Andy will (like us) grow up and stop playing with them.

Andy bids farewell and gives his toys a new life.

What happens then? That's what Toy Story 3 showed, and that's why it was necessary. Toy Story 3's ending, however, was a perfect and emotionally satisfying send off for all the characters. Andy says goodbye and has accepted his move from a boy to a man, whereas the toys (especially Woody) come to terms with the fact that their owner has loved them as much as he possibly could have and they must also move on. Everybody gets a happy ending, and the audience is satisfied that it's a 'happily ever after' scenario.

Pixar have already carried on the stories by way of the 'Toy Toons' before Disney movies. I like this trend, as it provides a little unexpected treat. They're really just short little sketches (barely even 5 minutes) about side characters or whatever the toys are up to now. A fourth full instalment, however, is completely unnecessary and would be the definition of money-grabbing.

Just because the story could continue in its own way - and I say could because there are still a few lacklustre plots that could be tackled poorly - does not mean it should. I'm sure if he wanted, Christopher Nolan could do another Batman film after The Dark Knight Rises, however he is aware that a good story has a clear ending.

The Toy Story trilogy has a good, clear, happy ending that we can always revisit. It's almost as though our childhood has been placed inside a little bottle which we can open up and enjoy whenever we like. Lets keep it that way.

By Dean Johnstone