Student Film Reviews

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1. Steven Urrutia Martinez 10.16.20 / 9pm

   I loved the way the sage wrapped up after all this time. At first I didn’t like the scenery or the mise-en-scene but as I watched the film it really grew on me.I agree that the animation from Toy Story 1 is rough compared to Toy Story 4 but I feel that at this point the animation is nostalgic and that’s why I don’t think its such a bad thing.Taste and style changes over time sometimes for worse or sometimes for the better but in this case its for the better.
2. Gillian Semenza 10.17.20 / 4pm

   Hey, I love the way you highlighted the shift in production quality compared to the original Toy Story. In a decent amount of time, the quality of animation production has become more and more complex. I for one also had that feeling of “why?” when hearing of Toy Story 4 being released as I believed the 3rd one wrapped up the story nicely. However, the inner nostalgic in me gave Toy Story 4 a chance and was humbly surprised as well. It really shows the lengths the story writers went to create something new out of something old. As the plot of Toy Story 4 was much deeper than the previous plots in past films. You summarized the plot perfectly as being something worth watching.
3. jacob chambers 10.24.20 / 10pm

   Hey Ryo,

   I love the review and I loved this movie too! I agree the whole ambiance compared to the first movie is out of this world its just so amazing. I liked the scenery or the mise-en-scene I thought the whole set and places throughout the movie was gorgeous.The summary was very clear and is perfect for someone looking for a summary of the film.
4. Adam Sevier 10.26.20 / 7pm

   Hey Ryo,

   Nice job with your review! I also couldn’t deny my skepticism once I heard the news that there would be yet another Toy Story, but I was not disappointed at all once I finished watching. It is unbelievable to think that the first Toy Story was released a whole twenty-five years ago because the animation in the first movie was so ahead of its time. Despite the large gap in time between releases, Toy Story 4 still manages to bring that same childish joy to viewers through the heartwarming messages and introduction of new characters.
   One aspect of mise-en-scene that stands out is the camera angles that are highlighted in typical Toy Story fashion through the perspective of one of the toys, as well as higher angles that fit in with the people in the film. The contrast between the carnival and the antique shop also play a big role in creating two distinct settings that represent freedom and holding on to one’s past.
5. Adam Sevier 10.26.20 / 7pm

   Hey Ryo,

   Nice job with your review! I also couldn’t deny my skepticism once I heard the news that there would be yet another Toy Story, but I was not disappointed at all once I finished watching. It is unbelievable to think that the first Toy Story was released a whole twenty-five years ago because the animation in the first movie was so ahead of its time. Despite the large gap in time between releases, Toy Story 4 still manages to bring that same childish joy to viewers through the heartwarming messages and introduction of new characters. One aspect of mise-en-scene that stands out is the camera angles that are highlighted in typical Toy Story fashion through the perspective of one of the toys, as well as higher angles that fit in with the people in the film. The contrast between the carnival and the antique shop also play a big role in creating two distinct settings that represent freedom and holding on to one’s past.
6. Anthony Bui 11.14.20 / 11pm

   Hey Ryo,
   I thought this review was very well put together. I was on the same boat as you and was a skeptic as I was thinking to myself that the Toy Story franchise wrapped up nicely after the third movie. As a child growing up with Toy Story, I know I had to see it and experienced lots of nostalgia when watching it. I liked the mise-en-scene and thought that the perspectives of the toys was great with the use of the camera angles.
7. Olivia Skeen 03.04.21 / 10am

   I appreciate how well written and relatable your review is. It is incredible how much animation has improved in the past few decades. The improvement allows for more elements of mise-en-scene to be included. One element of this film that I found interesting is how the antique shop had dim lighting which helped the audience understand that it was a bad and dark place to be. The lighting was able to do so much to set the tone for the shop.
8. Jazmin Vivero 03.04.21 / 3pm

   Hello Ryo,
   I love the way you compared the production quality of the film compared to the first Toy Story. I also agree, I was blown away when I saw the details and I think everyone else was. I saw a lot of Tweets talking about the amazing animation and production, there were times I forgot I was watching an animated film. I also wondered why they decided to make a fourth movie, I thought that the third movie wrapped things up perfectly and I thought it was going to be the last one because we see that Andy gives away his toys to Bonnie. However, this film didn’t disappoint because it brought back meaningful things, we see that Woody reunites with his old friends from the second film. The mise-en-scene is amazing because it allows us to see the different angles from the characters point of view. Overall I enjoyed watching the film and reading your review.
9. Cody Madewell 03.05.21 / 6pm

   Hey Ryo,
   I really enjoyed reading your review of such an amazing movie. When I first watched this film I had the exact same thought process of wondering why they would make another one, but after seeing the film this was exactly what the series needed for it to tie up the whole story. The animation is amazingly well developed and its crazy to see how far they’ve come in the years that the films have been out. Within the process of making a film like this you have to have a animator that knows what they are doing because with that you can’t tell the story the correct way. I say this film really reminded me of a good ole heart felt film and I’m happy they came out with it.
10. Travis Ball 03.05.21 / 8pm

    Hey Ryo,
    I think that is really cool you had some background knowledge before watching the film. I also felt really thrown off watching Toy Story 4 and I had the same reaction since the previous Toy Story wrapped it up well. It really did bring some nostalgia and I recommend watching it if you have seen the previous movies. It’s true though, the production of the movie was pretty amazing for an animated film. I think you have a great description of the shots that were created to make this film. It is crazy to compare the first and the last Toy Story to each other and see how much has changed. Overall, great review.
11. Jesus Carrillo 03.13.21 / 8pm

    Hello Ryo, your introduction made me reminisce when I used to work at the Drive In movie theater, the vibes are real, especially when you get free popcorn. I agree with how the production team went out and beyond as the film seemed so real and it really came alive and had amazing lighting that gave the characters a serious glow. These movies sure do make me feel joy and happiness and that is the beauty of a film. It can bring you back to your childhood and make you remember the good times and how family and love is so pure.
12. caeli hurst 03.21.21 / 12am

    I agree completely with what you said about how the film was produced in this movie compared to the first one. It seemed a bit grainy and old when it first came out, although I still enjoyed it. I also wondered why they even needed a fourth movie but I actually understood and really enjoyed the fact that they did as well. The characters looked so much more life like and they did a completely different take on them than they did in the 90s. We got a whole new perspective and it was really cool to see how the lighting and depth changed.
13. Jena Sharp 03.24.21 / 10pm

    I really enjoyed this review. As other have mentioned it really gave that nostalgia vibe of… well as some one commenting in 2021, the time before Covid. Toy Story 4, while it had its fault, was a nostalgia film.25 years after the first film, I do feel the movie could have been better targeted for the generation that grew up on Toy Story, instead of trying to bring more kids in. Needless to say, my generation still watched, and personally, with no shame. Your review made me miss the theater and miss watching movies with over priced popcorn. And Toy Story 4 missed that element, at least for me.
14. Nicholas Wills 03.27.21 / 8pm

    Hey Ryo,
    I enjoyed reading over your review, and how you brought up the graininess and overall similar look to the original first Toy Story film. I too look at this film and wonder why it was needed to be made, and with the overall setting of the first 3 films it doesn’t feel necessary. I thought you did a great job touching base on the production and picture quality of this film, as if we have gone full circle back to the original film.
15. Sarah Reilley 03.27.21 / 9pm

    As mentioned, the Toy Story movies have been around for the past two decades which I think is great for anyone who grew up with the movies and people who just got into the series. I would agree that the details of the movies made you forget that it’s an animation film and in a way makes you feel like you’re there with the characters in the movie. It is amazing how much detail they put into each scene into the movies and characters that are so insanely animated and done. I would say that this movie series is a high-concept movie that is easily pitched and had a mass audience appeal for all ages. I loved that you said that this movie leaves you smiling as there’s always a good endpoint to Pixar films and doesn’t leave you questioning anything.
16. Samuel Witte 03.28.21 / 6pm

    Hi Ryo,

    Interesting review. I agree entirely that the intricacy of the animation made the movie. I also think the themes of this film were decidedly mature, probably because it was marketed towards people who grew up with the first three films. The animation style highlighted the depressing nature of the film; there were a lot of horror elements that I enjoyed. I think this was a stylistic choice because the film focuses so heavily on the idea of growing up and creating a new life for yourself, which is of course very scary.
17. Wynton Peters 04.16.21 / 9pm

    Hey Ryo, nice review of Toy Story 4. I also found it hard to understand why they felt the need to make another Toy Story movie other than for the money. Considering how the last movie seemed to wrap up the series I didn’t think and still honestly don’t think they needed to make a fourth one. That being said, I think the film was decent on it’s own and explored some interesting themes, but I don’t think it fit into the overall theme of the series. The animation has definitely improved over the years, and it is really apparent when you go back and watch the older films. Good job on the review.
18. Heidi Zamora 06.05.21 / 11pm

    I thought it was interesting yet intriguing how the reviewer included how he got to watch the film as well as his experience and thoughts. I do agree that Toy Story 4 had the best animation and productions compared to the past films because the characters and objects were more detailed and with better depth. When I found out this film was coming out soon, I immediately knew I was going to see it because I love disney movies and the Toy Story films are definitely one of my favorites and remind me of my childhood. Watching this film I did realize that the creators of the movie did improve on the animation of the film, like the reviewer mentioned looking back in the first movie you can tell the quality was not the best due to the time period of of course.
19. Byanka Rivera 07.23.21 / 10pm

    Ryo’s review felt mutual to my feelings towards the movie. I alway compare the first one the the last one. Toy Story 4 was definitely something I never would have expected, yet the story of it was full of happiness and surreal. I also have to agree with how well the animation of this movie came out. The lighting combined with the amazingly detailed graphics made it feel as though you were looking at something real. There were also mildly creepy scenes like at the antique store, the room was dark but you were able to feel tension. It was such a well thought out film.
20. Anabel Garibay Peralta 07.24.21 / 4pm

    I have always loved these types of movies, even more now that I have a two year old. Not only does he love them as much as I do, but it allows us to bond. Toy Story 4 is an animation movie that teaches children about friendship. In the past movies we have seen Andy who was the original owner of the toys, grow up and go off to college. In Toy Story Bonnie takes over the toys and a new friend is introduced as “Sporky”, this movie really goes into detail of how big a toys’ world can be. The lighting in all the Toy Story movies allow us to feel part of the movie, and help us enter a different animation world. The graphics also help the kids be more engaged in the film. I highly recommend these types of movies.
21. Mazie Borda 10.13.21 / 4pm

    Hi Ryo, I am a huge fun of Disney movies. When Disney came out with the fourth Toy Story I also questioned why come out with another one when I thought the third one summed up the ending. I also thought the movie would not be good because they were stretching out the series for too long. After watching it, of course it was another amazing Disney movie. The way they brought in new charatcers and made everyone fall in love with them while also keeping the old characters was a great idea. While watching this video, I noticed that the film’s creators improved on the animation. As the reviewer noted, looking back at the first film, you can tell the quality was not the best due to the time period.
22. Mazie Borda 10.13.21 / 4pm

    Hi Ryo, I am a huge fun of Disney movies. When Disney came out with the fourth Toy Story I also questioned why come out with another one when I thought the third one summed up the ending. I also thought the movie would not be good because they were stretching out the series for too long. After watching it, of course it was another amazing Disney movie. The way they brought in new charatcers and made everyone fall in love with them while also keeping the old characters was a great idea. While watching this video, I saw that the animation had been updated by the film’s creators. Looking back on the first picture, as the reviewer said, you can tell the quality was not the best owing to the time period.
23. Anna Dissman 10.15.21 / 9am

    Hi Ryo, I really enjoyed reading what you had to say about Toy Story 4. I completely agree with the almost unnecessary need to come out with another movie, but I think they made Toy Story 4 pretty well. The use of new characters to act as antagonists and some protagonists along with the old characters from the last three movies can be clearly seen. Also, the lighting throughout the movie was done to the effect that the makers were trying to get across to the audience. The lighting is bright to give the illusion of toys and a happy atmosphere to the children watching but also is dark at times to really emphasize that some bad is happening. Overall, I thought you did a good job at reviewing this movie, and yes, it kept me smiling throughout!
24. Samantha Gonzalez 10.27.21 / 11pm

    Hi Ryo, great review! Turns out that many of us also asked ourselves “Why?” What can they possibly add after the amazing wrap up in Toy Story 3? To be honest, when I saw the release of Toy Story 4, part of me was not excited to see it because Andy went away to college and his toys were left with Bonnie. Not that I have anything against Bonnie, but is just wouldn’t be the same, I thought to myself. But of course, I wasn’t going to miss a Toy Story movie. I must admit, the mise-en-scene blew me away. From the way the light literally reflects off the characters faces. The lights from the set at the carnival had great contrast. Not to mention, the realistic detailed set design at the antique shop. In addition, the camera angles were spot on, especially when we were able to experience it from a character’s perspective for a bit. It felt very realistic. It’s unbelievable how animation has evolved. Watching Toy Story 1 is now like watching a cartoon. Of course, it will always be a classic, but it’s unbelievable how animation has evolved.
25. Daniel Palmerin 10.29.21 / 11pm

    This movie proved to be a great animation. It demonstrated how far animation has truly come over the years and definitely pays tribute to its past movies. Disney movies have always been one of my favorite to watch and growing up on them was always amazing. The movie also has a great plot and is very different from other as the toys come to realize Bonny is now grown up and they need to protect her new favorite toy but Woody and Bo Peep come to realize their true meaning as toys and go separate ways from the gang. An amazing ending to a trilogy that has lasted 25 years truly left a tear in the eyes of those who grew up with the great characters over all these years.
26. Kassandra Navarro 04.22.22 / 4pm

    Hi Ryo, I agree, the animation has improved tremendously in the fourth film. When comparing it to the other three, especially the first Toy Story, there is so much detail in all of the scenes making it feel like it was shot with a real camera and makes you forget that it was animated. I really liked seeing some of the characters from the past three films, as well as some of the newer characters such as Ducky and Bunny which provided more of a humorous element to the film. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your review!
27. Grover Carrasco 07.15.22 / 11pm

    This was such a wholesome review to read. I really liked how at the end you talked about how a lot of these animated Disney movies always leave you smiling. I definitely was with you when I first watched this movie, thinking “Why?” because the third movie had pretty much wrapped the franchise up in a great way. Despite this, I really like the direction this movie took, and it managed to add a depth to Woody that was not really necessary but created an interesting commentary about self-worth. Also loved the detail you mentioned about the scene with him running, where it looked like it was shot on a camera. Disney-Pixar production is just fantastic.
28. Anthony Makram 07.23.22 / 11pm

    I too came into watching Toy Story 4, having the same question as to why they would create a fourth movie after ending the story in such great fashion in Toy Story 3. However, after watching the film I truly understood why they continued with his film. The beauty in the simplicity of the new toy that became Bonnie’s favorite added so much meaning to the film. The lengths to which Woody and the group went to save Forky who didn’t even understand why he wanted to be made the movie so poetic. The ending where Woody finally decided to stay with Bo instead of going back to a new owner added so much emotion to the film and made it a much-needed and sentimental finish to the series.
29. Mia Nungaray 09.05.22 / 12pm

    I thought the exact same thing you thought when Toy Story 4 came out. Why make another Toy Story if the last one was wrapped up so beautifully, what else could we need. But not only did Toy Story 4 have an amazing storyline, but it flowed with where the writer left off previously. I like the way you compared the first Toy Story with the newest one, looking back you can really see how much Disney grew in the newest they just released with the attention to detail, the depth and focusing a lot on the senses and the angles they showed us. Like you mentioned it feels like they filmed the whole thing live action with a camera. But when comparing the two movies, the first and latest you can really tell the growth Pixar has had over the years, how they have studied camera angles in live action films and have adapted the same techniques in animated films to bring you closer into the movie. Disney has found a way and will continue its techniques in animated films to bring the audience closer into the film as described in your review
30. Crystal Cummings 06.28.23 / 12am

    Hi Ryo,
    I really liked your answers to this film and also i really enjoyed you analyzing the film Toy Story 4 because i grew up watch Toy Story. You brought up some good points in your review. I remember having the same thoughts that Toy Story 3 wrapped up really fast. So i was surprised to what they came out with Toy Story 4. This taught me that you never truly know if this is the end of the film because the filmmaker can always change things.
    Thank you for teaching something new.
31. Wainani Williams 10.12.23 / 10pm

    I agree that the animation has vastly improved since the first Toy Story movie came out in 1995. It’s still impressive, as it was the first movie to be completely computer animated. I actually have to disagree with you about the film’s content though. I felt that the first three Toy Story movies were an amazing trilogy, and Toy Story 4 disregarded important things that this trilogy established. The plots of the first three Toy Story movies are centered around Woody trying to keep the group of toys together. Even in Toy Story 3, new toys are welcomed into their group (a lesson he learned from Buzz’s introduction in the first film), and he leads them to defeat the teddy bear Lotso. While elements of this character are shown in Toy Story 4, such as his compassion towards Forky and Gabby Gabby, Woody leaving the group at the end of Toy Story 4 felt unnatural, forced, and just wrong to me. It was completely out of character in a way that didn’t feel like a development but an attempt at incorporating some kind of shock factor. Woody is not, and has never been, a lost toy because even without Andy, he belonged to his friends. I think Toy Story 4 missed the mark on that.

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