Rating: G for general audiences, all ages admitted.

A near-perfect ending to the “Toy Story” franchise, beloved by both children and adults, was released in theaters almost 10 years ago. Now in 2019, an oddly tacked-on afterword titled “Toy Story 4” has been delivered to the public. It’s an innocent venture on its own; seeing Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang is a delight—although a majority of the characters are given very little to do, making the movie more of a Woody show. The themes of a toy’s purpose, meaning and agency remain, albeit feeling a little tired. Personally, I found it to be a good film that I have a few issues with, narratively speaking.

That’s not to say that the film is without merit. The most poignant points in the movie revolve around serving others. For a toy, this means bringing comfort or happiness to their kid or helping other toys find purpose in their existence, even if it comes at a personal loss. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) tells us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Peer Rating: 4/5

Pokemon Detective Pikachu

Rating: PG for action/peril

What could you possibly add to the iconic and adorable Pikachu? Give him a hilariously snarky voice and persona, that’s what. When Tim Goodman’s father is mysteriously killed, he and a special Pikachu go on a sleuthing adventure in pursuit of a conspiracy at the heart of Ryme City.

Peer Rating: 4/5

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Rating: PG-13

Review: As an epilogue of sorts to the modern chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Spider-Man: Far from Home” is a fun, lower-stakes superhero story that captures the youthful charm of the titular character while providing a suitable amount of progression. Innuendo is a problem here, but overall a great film.

Peer Rating: 3/5

*Zeitgeist is written as reviews, not recommendations.