If you were to ask me what the ideal format for a post-Toy Story 3 short would look like, it would come pretty close to Toy Story of Terror!
We get a new stylized avenue into the toy world, this time as a meta-horror movie that effectively uses all the tropes it mocks. It also gives something thematically rich for a beloved character to do: Jessie confronts her fear of being boxed up to save another toy.
Lastly, there is indeed a full-on existential crisis that accompanies the short, just like in each of the Toy Story movies proper. In 20 minutes, there’s just enough time to really get a sense of stakes and danger that a toy could be lost from her owner forever.
And yet… It all feels a bit cheap. On paper, I like the idea of these mini-films exploring the later sagas of the toys and giving us some fresh style and scenarios. But the more I watch, the more it feels like they cheapen the trilogy by rehashing and watering down the best themes and beats.
Is It Good?
Nearly Good (4/8)
Note: This review was published early in The Goods' history and is a candidate for an expanded review in the future. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.