Top 10 Things You Missed in Toy Story 4
#10: Grape Soda
In the fourth “Toy Story” installment, Woody reunites with Bo Peep and her trusty sheep (who - by the way, Woody - have names!). Bo, along with Billy, Goat, Gruff, and her new pal Giggle McDimples, have clearly done okay for themselves in the years since we last saw them. Not belonging to a kid comes with certain necessities however, and that means learning to see the usefulness of anything you find, whether it’s tape or those weird red sticky hand things you fling at the window. One thing that Bo’s sheep find is that unmistakable grape soda bottle cap from “Up,” that Ellie fashions into a pin and Carl ultimately gives to Russell - the highest honor. We’re just going to say, if Russell lost it, we’re PISSED.
#9: Duke Caboom Has Been in a Pixar Movie Before
Dun dun dun. You’re right, Keanu Reeves IS everywhere! Only this time, we’re talking about the stunt motorcyclist who can-ADA do it all - except land properly. Pixar has a history of giving superfans a tiny hint of an upcoming release in their films - before we really even know what to look for. In 2018’s “Incredibles 2,” Duke can actually be seen in Jack-Jack’s crib, surrounded by some block letters, W, D, and Y… perhaps a nod to our favorite cowboy? We hope this means that Duke finally got the love he deserved from a kid. But seriously, just give Duke his own spinoff. It’s okay, we’ll wait.
#8: Pit Stops
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“Toy Story 4” works kinda like a road trip adventure movie, and Bonnie - along with her parents, toys, and the newly created and HIGHLY existential Forky - head out on the highway. At this point you may have been too distracted with worry, what with the new addition continually trying to get into trash cans and all, but there were some background details to spot along the way. For example, some familiar locales for Pixar aficionados can be seen, like Dinoco gas station and Poultry Palace. We gotta say, this just made us want to hop over to Disney California Adventure and grab some good ol’ drumsticks at Pixar Pier.
#7: You. Are. A. TOYYYYYYYY!!!
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Woody’s exasperated Hail Mary to Buzz in the original “Toy Story” remains one of the most iconic scenes of the series - just ask Ducky and Bunny. Woody finds himself having to explain yet again what a toy is to a reluctant listener, except the tone has definitely shifted in 24 years. Woody’s character growth throughout the franchise has been remarkable, and we truly see it in the final film when he sets aside his own safety - and even his desire to be played with - to ensure that Bonnie’s new favorite toy understands just what an important position that is. We didn’t think a pep talk to a spork would get us choked up, but here we are.
#6: Chinese Food Box
During a couple of hilarious cutaway gags courtesy of the dynamic Ducky and Bunny - who, as much as we love them, should NEVER be in charge of planning - we got to see an old faithful Pixar Easter egg, first seen in “A Bug’s Life” as Manny’s Chinese Cabinet of Metamorphosis. In the imaginary sequence, the owner of Second Chance Antiques gets home and settles in for some food - maybe some leftovers? Well, looks like she eats at the same place as Linguini, the Andersons, and the Parrs. Just take a closer look at her fridge, and you’ll recognize that pagoda design anywhere.
#5: At the Carnival
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Along with one other location that we’ll get to, the carnival is a treasure trove of Pixar references. When the carnival worker - who we THINK had a Pizza Planet truck tattoo? - finds Buzz, he ends up putting him up for sale at one of the games, much to the frustration of Ducky and Bunny, who want to get snatched up by a kid. Next to Buzz, other potential prizes include guitars just like the ones from “Coco,” as well as rockets with the Luxo ball emblazoned on them. While those are pretty easy to catch, what you may not have seen was the balloon cart from “Up” and a teenage Boo from “Monsters, Inc.” Wow, we feel really old now.
#4: Toys from the Past
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For all its amazing feature films, Pixar’s humble beginnings were in shorts, and their animators clearly haven’t forgotten where they came from. When Bo is taking Woody to meet Duke Caboom, she brings him inside a pinball machine that apparently houses the most happening of clubs for unsold toys. It’s none other than Tinny from 1988’s “Tin Toy” that comes to the door to greet Bo, and reluctantly let in newcomer Woody. Once they do get in, you can spot Franklin the Bald Eagle from - we’re going to say it - the underrated short “Small Fry.” Hey, it’s a small world after all.
#3: The License Plate
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If we’ve learned anything from watching Pixar movies, it’s that every detail means something - even if it’s not obvious. During “Toy Story 4”’s prologue, we find out that Bo Peep was absent from the third film because Molly sold her. Just as the buyer’s preparing to load the box into his car, Woody’s given a chance to say goodbye… and we’re given time to see the - seemingly - inscrutable license plate: RMR F97. Well, as many Pixar fans know, “Toy Story 2” was almost entirely deleted from the render farm during production, but ended up being saved by Galyn Susman, who was on maternity leave and had a backup. That license plate is a nod to the code that almost lost us the beloved 1999 film.
#2: Voice Cameos Galore
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The “Toy Story” voice acting roster has so many names on it, it could rival most Marvel movies in terms of big stars. While all our central players are back one last time - even the late Don Rickles through archival recordings - there are some newcomers to this animated world: Bonnie’s neglected toys, Melephant Brooks (voiced by Mel Brooks), Chairol Burnett (voiced by Carol Burnett of course), Carl Reineroceros (Carl Reiner, you see where this is going) and Bitey White give Woody some harsh words. Other voices to watch out for: Carl Weathers reprises his role from “Toy Story of Terror!” as the voice of the Combat Carls, and that vintage Duke Caboom commercial features none other than Flea, the bassist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions: Ducky & Bunny Call a Toy Frog “Rainbow Connection” Key & Peele Were in “Keanu” in 2016 & Are in “Toy Story 4” WITH Keanu in 2019
#1: Second Chance Antiques
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This incredible location houses details from the company’s history and films. The store’s door said it was established in 1986, the same year Pixar was founded, and the address - 1200 - is the same as their HQ in Emeryville, California. Inside, though, will take dozens of views to catch everything. We caught: a Pixar Image Computer, plaques for Grape Soda, Wally B’s, Catmull’s Brews after co-founder Ed Catmull, a scream canister from “Monsters, Inc.”, “Finding Nemo” tiki heads, as well as a collectible figure of Arlo from “The Good Dinosaur.” Short films are also given some love, with “Lifted,” “Knick Knack,” and “Lava” among others for sale. The dogs from “Up” play poker in a hilarious painting, and that ominous record being played? That’s actually “Remember Me” from “Coco.” Can this place be real?
