Toy Story 4 (2019)

Release Date: June 21, 2019
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family
Director: Josh Cooley
Main Cast:

• Tom Hanks as Woody
• Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
• Annie Potts as Bo Peep
• Tony Hale as Forky
• Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves

Running Time: 100 minutes
Rating: G

✝️ Christian Perspective ReviewOverview of Themes:Toy Story 4 centers on identity, purpose, and the tension between calling and personal fulfillment. Woody struggles with his relevance in Bonnie's life and finds a new sense of purpose in helping others—especially Forky, a handmade toy struggling with his worth.

The film introduces complex themes:

• Who am I when I’m no longer needed?
• Should I pursue self-fulfillment or sacrificial service?
• Do I live for others or follow my own desires?

Woody's journey walks a delicate line. While the film praises purpose and helping others, it ends with Woody leaving his community—a controversial move that complicates the biblical alignment of the story's message.

Moral Content:

• Woody begins selflessly, helping Forky understand he is loved and valued.
• The ending, however, raises questions: Woody abandons his old community for a new life, which may appear as prioritizing self-discovery over duty.
• Gabby Gabby, initially an antagonist, experiences redemption and healing—emphasizing the power of grace and compassion.

Parents may need to help children process Woody’s final choice through a biblical lens—what does true calling and loyalty look like?

Spiritual Content:

• No direct references to religion or God.
• The themes reflect Christian struggles with calling, identity, and service.
• Gabby Gabby’s story parallels how rejection doesn’t determine worth, and how grace can restore brokenness—a redemptive arc mirroring Christian conversion stories.

However, Woody’s decision to stay with Bo Peep may contradict prior films' strong messages of faithfulness, service, and community commitment (Matthew 20:26–28). This creates a gray area worth discussion.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ or Transgender Themes and CharactersLGBTQ or Transgender Themes:No central LGBTQ storyline or characters.

LGBTQ or Transgender Characters:None identified in speaking roles or storylines.
Mentions:There is a very brief moment (around the 12-minute mark) where two women appear dropping off a child at Bonnie’s kindergarten and later reuniting with her at pick-up. This was interpreted by some media outlets and audiences as a subtle nod to same-sex parenting, but no lines or direct focus is given to this scene.

Christian parents should be aware of this inclusion, though it is brief and not plot-relevant.

👨‍👩‍👧 Age-Based RecommendationsRecommended Age Group: Ages 7+
Content Warnings:

• Emotionally heavy themes: identity crisis, separation from community, abandonment, and existential questions.
• Creepy ventriloquist dummies (Benson dolls) may frighten younger viewers.
• Slight concern about Woody’s departure message and how it may be interpreted.

🎓 Educational Value

• Teaches children that worth isn’t based on how others treat us.
• Explores deep personal questions about purpose and calling.
• Forky’s journey is useful for illustrating God-given value, even in brokenness.

Great conversation starter for Christian parents on where we find our identity--in Christ, not in our usefulness.

🌟 Positive Messages

• You are valuable because you were created with love (Forky’s lesson).
• Gabby Gabby’s redemption shows no one is beyond grace.
• Bo Peep represents courage, independence, and resilience.

However, Woody’s ending may seem to undermine long-held values of loyalty and sacrificial love, depending on interpretation.

👥 Positive Role Models

• Woody: Selfless throughout most of the film, mentoring Forky, risking his safety for others.
• Forky: Learns he is not “trash” but treasured—a powerful message about human value.
• Gabby Gabby: Redeemed by grace and shows deep transformation.
• Bo Peep: Brave and resourceful, though her influence on Woody leads to a morally ambiguous ending.

⚧️ Gender Themes

• Bo Peep returns as a strong, independent character, shedding her former “damsel” role.
• She’s presented as a leader and survivor—this can be positive but should be discussed in context with Woody's change.
• No explicit gender ideology is presented.

⚔️ Violence and Scary Scenes

• Ventriloquist dummies are unnerving and may scare younger kids.
• Several suspenseful scenes (e.g., rescue attempts, broken toys).
• Emotional intensity around separation and identity may be distressing.

No physical violence or gore.

💏 Sex, Romance, Nudity

• Woody and Bo Peep share a gentle romantic arc—clean and appropriate.
• No sexual content, nudity, or inappropriate dialogue.
• Ken and Barbie are not featured; romantic content is minimal.

🗣 Language

• No profanity or offensive language.
• Minor phrases like “what the fork?” are used humorously via Forky’s name.
• No misuse of God’s name.

🚬 Drinking, Drugs, Smoking

• None at all.

🎥 Entertainment ValueQuality of Production:Top-tier Pixar quality. Beautiful animation, creative storytelling, and voice acting are exceptional. The new characters (Duke Caboom, Ducky and Bunny, Forky) bring humor and charm.
Engagement:Very engaging but emotionally mature. The tone is more introspective than previous films—may appeal more to older children and adults.

📖 Comparison to Biblical PrinciplesToy Story 4 upholds many Christian values:

• We are valuable not because of what we do, but because of who we are (Genesis 1:27).
• Redemption is possible even for the most broken (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• We are called to serve others (Mark 10:45).

However, Woody’s choice to leave his community in pursuit of a new personal journey may seem contrary to biblical teachings about faithfulness to calling, covenant, and community. This moment is best interpreted as a discussion opportunity, not a direct moral endorsement.

🔗 Additional Resources

• Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in His own image...”
• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...”
• Plugged In Review – Toy Story 4 (Focus on the Family)
• Christian Parenting Article: Helping Kids Understand Purpose