Toy Story 5 Movie Review: A Timely Tale About Toys, Technology, and Childhood
Image Courtesy of Pixar/Walt Disney.
Seven years after the release of Toy Story 4, Pixar returns to one of its most beloved franchises. While many fans believe the series should have ended with Toy Story 3, Toy Story 5 makes a compelling case for why these characters still have stories worth telling. Jessie, Buzz, and the rest of the gang are back, this time facing a new kind of threat: technology.
The idea of technology becoming a threat to the toys is an incredibly intriguing concept, especially because of how relevant it is to the world we live in today. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, YouTube, Roblox, and countless other forms of digital entertainment, children are more attached to screens than ever before. Toys still have a place in their lives, but as technology becomes increasingly dominant, that role continues to shrink. It's a smart and timely premise that gives Toy Story 5 something meaningful to say. The real question, however, is whether the film does a good job exploring these ideas. Let's get into the review.
Image Courtesy of Pixar/Walt Disney.
Unlike previous entries in the series, Toy Story 5 places Jessie firmly at the center of the story. That isn't to say Buzz and Woody are pushed to the sidelines, as both still play meaningful roles throughout the film, but this is very much Jessie's adventure. Meanwhile, Bonnie is growing older and finding it difficult to connect with the other kids her age. As technology becomes an increasingly dominant part of childhood, she begins to feel isolated from her peers. Hoping to help her fit in, Bonnie's parents buy her a Lilypad tablet, a decision that sets the film's central conflict into motion.
Once Lilypad arrives, Jessie and the gang quickly begin to see the impact it has on Bonnie. Faced with the possibility of being replaced, the toys begin to fear that they are slowly losing their place in her life and decide to take action before things get any worse. While there is certainly a sense of jealousy toward this new piece of technology, the conflict runs much deeper than that. Through the toys' perspective, the film explores the growing role technology plays in childhood and what can be lost when screens begin to replace imagination, real-world play, and genuine human connection. It's a surprisingly thoughtful premise that gives the story more weight than a simple battle between toys and technology.
Image Courtesy of Pixar/Walt Disney.
Fortunately, Toy Story 5 gets far more right than it gets wrong. The animation is nothing short of stunning, with Pixar once again proving why it remains one of the industry's premier animation studios. The film is packed with heart, humor, and charm, capturing much of the magic that has made the franchise so beloved for nearly three decades.
That said, the story isn't without its flaws. Because the film has so much ground to cover, several fan-favorite characters, including Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and others, don't receive as much attention as longtime fans may have hoped. While this is understandable given the size of the cast and the film's focus on its central themes, some viewers may leave wishing a few familiar faces had been given more to do.
Overall, Toy Story 5 is another strong entry in a franchise that continues to justify its existence. It tackles a surprisingly relevant topic in a way that feels thoughtful, accessible, and true to the spirit of the series. By balancing its message with humor, heart, and adventure, Pixar has delivered a film that both children and adults can appreciate.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise, planning a family outing, or simply looking for a heartfelt film to enjoy on your own, Toy Story 5 is well worth a trip to the theater.
