Nine years after the heart-rending conclusion of Toy Story 3, the creators of the franchise take us back for another outing with Woody and the gang. Viewers will remember that Bo Peep was conspicuously absent from that installment, and so here we are treated to an explanatory flashback. The scene hinges on a moment where Bo asks Woody to join her in a new adventure; he declines, for as always, his purpose in life is to be there for Andy. Fast forwarding to present day, the action picks up where it left off in Toy Story 3, only now Woody is one of a number of toys abandoned at the bottom of Bonnie’s wardrobe. Still caring and watchful as ever, Woody mentors new “toy" Forky; seemingly trying to convince himself as much as the spork that his sole purpose in life is to make Bonnie happy. Passing by “Second Chance" Antique Store during a road trip, Woody is reminded of Bo. Fate brings them together again, but who will Woody choose this time, Bonnie or Bo?

The maid-like Bo of old is long gone, here we have a spunky, fearless skunk driver who has made a life for herself. It’s great to have a strong female character taking charge of her own destiny. In fact, the female characters take centre stage, with Bo at the helm, and Bonnie as the main child, plus a new doll, Gabby. There are some other fun (and creepy) additions; however the series is already so saturated with characters from all three previous films, that old favourites like Rex, Mr Potato Head, Ham and Slinky are disappointingly side-lined. Buzz too plays second fiddle to the Woody and Bo show. Although he is funny, it’s the same running joke. Having two Buzz characters in Toy Story 2 and the factory settings restored/Spanish Buzz of Toy Story 3, were not only fabulous turns but integral to the development of the action. No such luck here.

The film is laced with the same heart, warmth and humour of its predecessors; however, it’s more didactic and pushes the boundaries of earlier themes further than before. Progressive and timely, touching on issues of ageing, abandonment, self-worth, acceptance, loss and closure, and, it could be argued, about disability as well. It will definitely resonate with parents, and those who have experienced loss of self in their selflessness. An adult audience will identify more so with Woody’s dilemma. After all, Woody is our hero, and seeing him question his purpose and place in the world makes him all the more relatable.

However, the film is so deeply-rooted in its exploration of these themes that everything is constructed to that end, from Forky believing that he is trash and Gabby being discarded even after receiving a transplant, to Buzz hilariously listening to his “inner voice". Themes previously only hinted at here dominate the narrative. It’s difficult to pinpoint a standout moment in a film that is sparkly and vividly colourful, almost to a fault. The film is unashamedly a character- and theme-based narrative focused around Woody, and the other new characters who are all struggling with a sense of self-worth and identity. In this context, one can understand why beloved characters like Mr Potato Head and Ham, with their simplistic points of view, would be overlooked. Although the ending packs an emotional punch, it can’t quite compete with its predecessor. But maybe it’s not supposed to. Maybe the point here is to teach a different lesson, to finish on a different note.

Some of us will still look to Toy Story 3 as a fitting and sublimely-handled ending to Andy's story. For those looking for more clarity on Woody’s future, the film doesn’t disappoint. And who would begrudge our beloved Sheriff from enjoying another rootinest tootinest adventure of Woody’s Round-Up?