This summer, the movies are packed with nostalgia. The beloved Pixar toy gang is back together [again] in Toy Story 5, a whopping 31 years after the original film of this massive franchise hit theaters. Jessie takes the lead this time, which is wonderful as she’s such a compelling character.
Toy Story 4 feels like a fitting conclusion to Woody and the rest of the toys’ journey. I wish Pixar would give this franchise a rest and focus on crafting new original stories. Apparently, they feel the same way, but after the box-office flop of Lightyear in 2022, Disney pushed the animation studio to make the fifth Toy Story film to make up for the losses. Ah, why am I not surprised this was Disney’s idea all along?
Fortunately, the phenomenal Pixar team (led by Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter) is just so darn innovative that somehow they’re able to craft another clever, funny, and emotionally resonant movie that justifies its existence. It’s written and directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall•E) and McKenna Harris, who has worked at Pixar as a character designer and story artist in a few major movies.
Every Toy Story movie explores themes like identity, growing up, and letting go. I remember how Woody was envious of the new flashy toy, Buzz Lightyear, and worried about being replaced. But by the end of the fourth film, Woody decides to leave Buzz & co. to join Bo Peep, committing himself to help other lost toys find new homes. With Woody out of the house, Jessie becomes the sheriff of Bonnie’s room, with Buzz as her second-in-command.
Eight-year-old Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is struggling to make friends; she’s even too shy to connect with her twin neighbors across the street. When her parents give her a brand-new tablet device, Lilypad, she immediately becomes obsessed with it. Her nonstop screen time replaces playtime with the ‘traditional’ toys, causing another crisis of abandonment.
Glad to see the voice actors reunite, this time embarking on a tech-centric adventure together. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back as Woody and Buzz, and Joan Cusack officially stepped out of her semi-retirement to reprise her iconic role as Jessie, this time as the lead. Greta Lee is great as Lilypad, but this is hardly her first rodeo in VO work. Conan O’Brien as potty-training toy Smarty Pants and Craig Robinson as talking GPS toy hippo Atlas make a hilarious duo. They’re a pair of discarded old-school tech toys in a farmhouse just outside of town that Jessie and Bullseye end up in.
Pixar doubles down on all the horse toys, as this is the year of the horse. Jessie and Bullseye even get to ride a real horse!
I appreciate that the human kid’s story is more developed this time. Bonnie’s obsession with a digital device comes from her wish to make friends. Lilypad helps her connect with three classmates who also use the same device, allowing them to play together online. So, Bonnie isn’t just a background character in the toys’ adventure; the story really explores the realities of childhood. It also brilliantly tackles social peer pressure that young kids face. The three cliquey friends tease Bonnie for still playing with her old-school toys, making her feel out of place in her group.
As the melody of Randy Newman’s When She Loved Me starts playing, I knew that we’d be back to where Jessie used to live with her original kid, Emily. Hearing that melody and seeing the tire swing in the distance immediately get me teary-eyed. But Pixar can switch from emotional dramatic moments to hilarious shenanigans in no time flat, as the adventure involving Smarty Pants and Atlas is riotously fun. The high-tech Army Buzz seen at the beginning of the film is a hoot! They come into contact with Jessie as they desperately try to get back to Star Command.
The script finally leans into the romance subplot between Jessie and Buzz after being teased at the end of the second movie. It also addresses aging with a humorous twist. While toys don’t actually age, they play up Woody’s ‘bald spot’ as the paint on his plastic head starts to fade away.
Emily’s former farmhouse is now home to a spunky, cheerful girl, Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), who still enjoys playing with her toys. Jessie realizes that Blaze would make a great friend for Bonnie, leading her to shift her focus from herself and her toy friends to helping Bonnie connect with Blaze. Unlike Lotso from Toy Story 3, who took the story to quite a dark place, this movie is much more lighthearted and uplifting. Lilypad isn’t a villainous toy; she just has some misguided ideas about what’s best for Bonnie.
Pixar’s films consistently shine visually, which is no surprise. The stylized animation is stunning, showcasing intricate textures and lively expressions. I really enjoy the contrast of the smooth CGI animation with the classic watercolor and crayon aesthetics used to depict Bonnie’s imaginative playtime scenes. Newman’s 10th score for Pixar is delightful, whimsical, and, naturally, full of emotion.
In a time where screens are everywhere, the tale of the toy crew facing off against electronics taking over playtime feels relevant. The forgotten toys at the farmhouse really drive the message that they’ve been replaced by technology. The nighttime scene where kids’ windows glow from their devices in a suburban area is so spot on. I’ve noticed that my friends’ kids, who are about Bonnie’s age, can’t seem to let go of their tablets and will throw fits at restaurants when their parents ask them to stop. I think both parents and kids watching this can definitely relate to this experience. The theme of friendship is as strong as ever, not just for the toys, but also for the human kids.
As fantastic as this movie is, though, I do feel franchise fatigue creeps in while I was watching it. Even a powerhouse like Pixar can only rely on nostalgia for so long before it starts to feel like leftovers. After just watching the incredibly innovative Hoppers recently, I wish Pixar would bring more of that and finally end this profitable franchise on a high note.
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I had thoughts about seeing this in the theaters but I’ve decided to once again sit out as the idea of having to deal with Swifties wanting to her new stupid song is a no for me. Plus, I’m not over the experience of watching the last film as that was followed by one of the worst moments ever in having to drive my dad to the hospital as he would later die. I just can’t as I have no interest in re-watching the fourth film. I’m going to wait for this on streaming as I’ve just become disenchanted lately with the film-going experience and I have been unable to keep up with what is happening in films.
I’m not a Swifty at all and I barely paid attention to her song in the end. Sorry but there’s no way it’ll be as good as whatever Randy Newman comes up with!
Hey, I’m sorry that your experience watching the last movie wasn’t a good one. Man, that’s rough… sorry that you lost your dad in that way. I understand you just need to take a break from movie-watching, and that’s completely okay, Steven, take care of yourself! 🫶
At least I have the World Cup. Plus, I am making a list of films on the beautiful game to watch.
Fantastic movie reviews as always Ruth. “Toy Story 5” is definitely one of my most anticipated movies of the year that I am anxious to see soon. I grew up watching the first film which was such a huge part of my childhood. I grew up playing with toys so I could relate to it. The latest movie does come with a high standard to live up to. I felt “Toy Story 3” was the perfect conclusion to this franchise, and feel as though the upcoming sequels were unnecessary. That being said, as a huge fan of the series I have a feeling that I will enjoy this film. So, for these reasons, I will definitely be sure to check it out in theatres. It seems like a great sequel to a great series.
Here’s my personal thoughts on “Toy Story 3”:
Hey Hasan! So you haven’t seen the fourth Toy Story I take it? I think the franchise could’ve ended with the trilogy but yet I absolutely enjoyed the fourth movie, as well as this one. Pixar just has such great writers/directors, and they’re able to come up with a fun and entertaining story that has something timely and relatable for adults and kids alike. I think you’ll enjoy this latest movie, though I really hope this would be the last one.
Thanks for the feedback Ruth. I have actually seen the fourth film but did not enjoy it that much. It felt unnecessary especially after the third film which I felt was the perfect ending to the franchise. I felt it could have been a perfect trilogy. That being said, I am excited to see the fifth movie. I like the concept of technology in the lives of children. It seems like a great sequel that will hopefully honour the franchise. As a huge fan of the series, I have a feeling I will enjoy it.
Toy Story 4 still sits on my to watch list on Disney+. I’ll have to watch that one first before going into this one. But glad to hear that it’s still good like the other movies in the franchise.
The year of The Horse, Yeee-Hawww! Maybe some ‘white people sh*t’ but this franchise has become central to my existence ever since my little sister took to it. I’ve seen all of them dozens of times😅 So we’re excited for this. I totally understand the sequel fatigue but I’m all in nevertheless.. LEAP!! Dun-dun-Dun😱
Hey EF, somehow I didn’t see your comment, sorry!
Yeah, I was wondering while watching it why there are so many horse references, then it dawned on me that it’s the year of the horse! 🐴🐎 Yeah, I think many people have grown up with the franchise, and even though I wish they had ended with the third movie, it’s still an entertaining movie with something to say. So yeah, definitely worth going to the movies for!
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Franchise fatigue… Lololol.
Well, I’m not fatigued, as I have not even seen one of the many.
Still 4 out of 5 is impressive, and there are always more kids to love this franchise.
Thanks Ruth!
XOXOXO❦🦢❦❦🦢❦XOXOXO
Hey Resa! I know you’re not into animation, but Pixar movies are so amazing. I recommend the first Toy Story which should win you over. One of my all time faves is Finding Nemo, as I just love the underwater scenery. It’s such a cute and heartwarming movie that made me laugh and cry.
I think Pixar movies are made for kids AND adults alike, that’s the brilliance of the studio. I do hope they’d focus on making original content though.
Love ya!
♥❦❧XOXOXOXO♥❦❧
I hear ya!
Love back at ya!
♥❦❧XOXOXOXO♥❦❧
Right there with ya, this could’ve and should’ve ended at 4. Of course, nothing is allowed to end anymore, sequels are the only things that make a billion dollars, so all “endings” are retro-fitted as new beginnings. Fatigue is the right word.
Despite my cynicism, I was charmed by this as well! Hard to be mad when Newman’s score knows how to pull on those heartstrings. Jessie as our lead is a great way to move the franchise forward instead of Woody always leading the charge. And I agree, Bonnie’s imagination sequences are such a sweet visual addition to the story. My nitpick here is that thematically it feels more like an Inside Out movie than a Toy Story movie. But that’s far from my biggest gripes. Woody didn’t need to be in the movie, and the other legacy toy characters are just background characters in this…
Hey there Adrian! Big studios want $$$$$$$ and that’s the reason Disney pushed Pixar to make this one to recoup the loss of Lightyear (how ironic, that’s a movie that should not have been made in the first place).
Despite that, Pixar manages to still make a good movie. I love that Jessie is the lead and I agree that Woody is not needed, but I don’t think they’d greenlight the movie without having Tom Hanks in it.
I hear you; thematically it does feel more like an Inside Out movie than a Toy Story movie, but I think it kinda makes sense when they expand the human character story here. In any case, though I enjoyed this one, I still hope Pixar would just end this franchise here and be done with it once and for all!
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