Toy Story 4 - 2019

Movie Info
Rating: G
Age-appropriateness: sone suspenseful sequences
Overview: When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. The fourth installment of Toy Story strongly emphasizes the journey of the various toys finding and/or pursuing their purpose in life. The newest character, Forky, realizes that his purpose is to love and to be loved by his creator.
Themes: toys, friendship, purpose, growing up, change, loyalty, identity, the Holy Spirit, sacrifice, rescue
The Quick 3
Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.
1. Identity. How might our life change when we recognize our true identity is in Christ?
For a large part of the movie, Forky thought he was trash. He did everything he could to go to the trash can because that’s what he thought his purpose in life was, and that’s who he believed himself to be. Once he found his true identity, his entire life changed: he no longer wanted to go in the trash, but instead wanted to make his child happy. Something similar happens in our life: we live a certain way, and then we realize that we were made by God and that Jesus loves us so much he died for us, and that changes everything about our life!
Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Identity.
2. Purpose. Have you ever thought of your purpose in life was to love God and to be loved by Him? Does that sound too simple? What would change in your life if you recognized that your deepest purpose was to love your Creator and to enjoy His love?
Forky’s purpose in life was to love his creator, and to be loved by his creator. The same is true for us. 1 John 4:16 says, "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them."
3. The Holy Spirit. Do you think you’ve ever heard the Holy Spirit as a little voice inside of you?
Buzz asked Woody about the “voice inside of him”. Woody explains that it’s his conscience, and that it advises him by telling him what to do. The rest of the movie, Buzz tries to act according to the guiding voice inside of him. Anyone who follows Jesus also has a powerful voice inside them: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, and it helps us understand when we did something wrong, while also encouraging us to do what is right. John 14:26 says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
After The Movie Discussion Guide
Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.
1. For a large part of the movie, Forky thought he was trash. He did everything he could to go to the trash can because that’s what he thought his purpose in life was, and that’s who he believed himself to be. Once he found his true identity, his entire life changed: he no longer wanted to go in the trash, but instead wanted to make his child happy. Something similar happens in our life: we live a certain way, and then we realize that we were made by God and that Jesus loves us so much he died for us, and that changes everything about our life! How might our life change when we recognize our true identity is in Christ?
Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Identity.
2. Forky’s purpose in life was to love his creator, and to be loved by his creator. The same is true for us. 1 John 4:16 says, "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." Have you ever thought of your purpose in life was to love God and to be loved by Him? Does that sound too simple? What would change in your life if you recognized that your deepest purpose was to love your Creator and to enjoy His love?
3. Buzz asked Woody about the “voice inside of him”. Woody explains that it’s his conscience, and that it advises him by telling him what to do. The rest of the movie, Buzz tries to act according to the guiding voice inside of him. Anyone who follows Jesus also has a powerful voice inside them: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, and it helps us understand when we did something wrong, while also encouraging us to do what is right. John 14:26 says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." Do you think you’ve ever heard the Holy Spirit as a little voice inside of you?
4. Woody believed that the purpose of a toy is to be there for their kid. Ultimately, toys are meant to serve others. Jesus showed his followers that the best leaders are first and foremost servants to others. Jesus washed all their feet during their final day together (John 13), a job that was considered incredibly dirty and would’ve even been embarrassing for most people. Jesus wanted to teach his friends the lesson that humbling yourself and serving others is the essence of living a life full of love. How well do you serve others? Do you have any ideas of ways you can serve those around you?
Minute By Minute Guide
Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.
:04 Bo Peep understands it’s time for her to take turns and for her to be played with by another kid. Bo Peep says goodbye to Woody, which was really hard for both of them. Have you ever had to say goodbye to a friend? How difficult is it for you to enter a new phase of life and say “goodbye” to the way things used to be?
:09 Woody hasn’t gotten chosen to be played with by Bonnie in a while. How do you think that makes Woody feel? Have you ever felt like you were left out?
:11 Woody noticed that Bonnie was sad and scared, so he decided to jump in her bag and join her on her first day of kindergarten to make sure she was alright. He noticed someone was struggling, and he immediately tried to help, putting himself at risk in the process. Jesus often noticed people who were having bad days, and he would enter their world and try to offer help. Jesus is a great helper who is always there when you need Him. Has there been a time recently when you were sad or scared? How might you ask Jesus to help comfort you in those moments?
:22 Woody saw that Forky jumped out of the RV, so Woody immediately went after him. Woody is a great leader and friend, who won’t settle for losing one of Bonnie’s toys. In Luke 15, Jesus explained how God is the type of Father that does not want to lose even one child. Luke 15:7b says, "There will be great joy when one sinner turns away from sin. Yes, there will be more joy than for 99 godly people who do not need to turn away from their sins." Why do you think God would go after the one lost person if He already has 99 found people?
:40 Bo Peep used to belong to Molly and would make Molly feel really safe. But now Bo Peep is glad to be out on her own, without a kid. Why do you think she might enjoy the freedom of being a lost toy?
:42 Gabby Gabby watches Harmony have a tea party and looks forward to the day when she gets her voice box so she can play with Harmony. Gabby Gabby is really sad that right now, she cannot do what she was created to do. How do you think she feels? Have you ever felt lost like this, wondering what you’re supposed to do?
:57 Duke Caboom tells the story of Rijon’s disappointment in his toy when Duke wasn’t able to do what he was supposed to do. With Bo’s help, Duke recognized that it was okay for him to be exactly who he is, right now. He had unfair expectations put on him, and he learned to be content with his present circumstances and abilities. Paul wrote about the contentment he experienced, because of the love Jesus gave him. Philippians 4:12 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Do you think you could be content in any situation? Are you content right with who you are right now?
1:03 Gabby Gabby tries to take Woody’s voice box without his permission. She makes a selfish decision because all she cares about is living the life she was meant to live, with her voice box and with her kid, Harmony. Do you think what Gabby Gabby is doing is okay? Is it ever okay to take something that’s not yours, even if it means more than anything to you?
1:06 Woody says he’ll never give up trying to get Forky back to Bonnie because he’s loyal. Loyalty definition. Bo Peep responds by saying that Woody wants Bonnie more than she wants him and that he’s better off without her. Do you agree with Woody or Bo Peep?
1:09 Woody willingly sacrifices himself, giving up his own voice box, so that Gabby Gabby might experience the love of a child that he’s experienced with Andy. Jesus showed us how much he loves us by giving up his very life on the cross. Jesus died so that we might experience the joy and love of a forgiven life with God. Because Jesus sacrificed himself, we know get to live a life full of love and our life will never end, because we’ll get to live with Jesus forever in heaven! How much love does someone have to have for someone else if they’re willing to sacrifice themselves?
1:15 Gabby Gabby recognizes that there’s nothing she can do to make herself “right” again. Even if she uses the voice box of another toy, that still does not guarantee that a child will take her home. She’s fully dependent on the love of that child. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Since we are fully dependent on the grace of God, how might that change your efforts to try to earn God’s love? Do you fully believe that God loves you unconditionally, no matter what mistakes you make or even the good things you do?
1:25 Woody makes the decision to leave Bonnie and his friends, choosing a life without a kid, on the road with the toy he loves. For the first time in his life, Woody is focusing on a purpose in life other than making a child happy, and it’s giving him even deeper meaning and fulfillment. Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not?