Reviews
Toy Story 5
There are very few franchises in cinematic history that hold a place in the hearts of audiences quite like Toy Story. Across four films spanning more than three decades, Pixar’s beloved toys have seen the first generation of fans grow up, become parents themselves, and now introduce their own children to Woody, Buzz, and the gang for the very first time. And whilst the quality arguably wavered with Toy Story 4, which brought something of a natural conclusion to the story of our favourite characters, Toy Story 5 arrives carrying enormous expectations. Thankfully, this latest adventure lives up to every single one of them and proves these legendary toys still have plenty left to say.
Toy Story 5 takes place a short time after the culmination of Toy Story 4, with Woody (Tom Hanks) having left the gang to be with Bo Peep (Annie Potts), leaving Jessie (Joan Cusack), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the toys to look after their new owner, eight-year-old Bonnie (Scarlett Spears). All is seemingly well until Bonnie begins to struggle to make friends with children her own age, many of whom have long since stopped playing with toys.
In a bid to ease the growing loneliness Bonnie is feeling, her parents buy her a tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee), the “must-have” device on the market for any child wanting to be considered cool. It doesn’t take long for the technology to take hold of an impressionable young child, with Jessie and the gang left to collect dust as she becomes increasingly attached to her new companion and the freedom it provides to connect with others online. Sadly, that’s where Bonnie discovers that not all children are kind, and her once-vibrant imagination begins to waver amongst the endless screen time and desire to fit in. It leaves Jessie, Buzz and Woody, alongside an impressive ensemble of new and returning faces, with the task of saving the day once again.
Undoubtedly Toy Story 5 takes a while to find its footing and establish the need for this fifth instalment in the franchise. The first act especially does feel like more of the same as the narrative themes begin to emerge, but once they are established and Toy Story 5 hits its full stride, through a mixture of a pertinent emotional core and just enough nostalgia to ensure the messaging lands with parents as well as kids, this latest instalment really begins to excel and more than justifies its existence.
Making Jessie the new leader of the gang ensures that, for the most part, Toy Story 5 feels fresh. As a character, she is given much more development than we’ve previously seen, which gives audiences a new perspective on their hero and plenty of reasons to root for her alongside some of the old favourites. Of course, at this point, five films into the franchise with so many lovable characters, it was always going to be difficult to fit everyone in, and that’s where some viewers may be left slightly disappointed, with screen time at a premium even for a few of the most recognisable faces.
While Lilypad may not go down as an iconic villain on the level of Lotso the Bear, she does have an extremely interesting and captivating character arc that provides some of the best moments in the entire film. Her relationship and ongoing back and forth with Buzz and a returning Woody is particularly effective, with Toy Story 5 finding a new dynamic between the trio that will live long in the memory.
Of course, there was always going to be a very fine line between getting the message across about modern-day tech consumption without coming across as preachy and still remaining playful and funny. Through a carefully crafted narrative from writers Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, who also co-direct, Toy Story 5 finds the perfect balance.
It cleverly shows that tech is not necessarily evil, even combining toys and technology in a subplot featuring high-tech Buzz Lightyears that helps pull the narrative together expertly. Coupled with its exploration of the benefits technology can bring to society and child development, Toy Story 5 avoids becoming an outright anti-tech film. Instead, it strikes a thoughtful balance, acknowledging the positives while showing how our screen time and reliance on devices, for both kids and parents alike, is beginning to spiral out of control.
But it isn’t just the toys versus tech narrative where Toy Story 5 excels. Beneath that sits a far more personal and emotional core that taps into some of human nature’s biggest fears, whether that’s being alone, becoming irrelevant, or simply the passage of time itself. It’s handled with such care that the themes resonate just as strongly with adults as they do with children and are bound to get people talking for all the right reasons. Because of how beautifully that aspect is woven into the story, it’s advised that you bring a few tissues along, as it’s almost guaranteed there won’t be a dry eye in the cinema.
On the other side of things is the more subtle commentary on modern consumer habits, whether that’s our oceans being clogged up with cheap, single-use plastics or the tech, toys, and clothes that we throw away almost as quickly as we buy them. Just like the rest of the film, Toy Story 5 never feels preachy in its approach, instead presenting these ideas in a quiet and considered manner that is likely to resonate far more than a heavy-handed approach ever could.
As ever with the Toy Story franchise, music takes centre stage throughout Toy Story 5 and, in the capable hands of returning composer Randy Newman, this latest entry blends some of the most nostalgic tracks from previous instalments alongside new material to create a score that complements every step the film takes. It is safe to say that it has been impeccably curated down to the finest detail and is yet another brilliant addition to Newman’s career. Props to Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff too, whose original song plays through the end credits and is likely to receive awards recognition come awards season.
Yet again, the animation from Pixar is outstanding. Despite being something audiences will inevitably be accustomed to by now, it should never be taken for granted just how incredible these films look. There are multiple scenes that will transport older audience members back to seeing Toy Story for the first time, reimagined with a modern twist and executed flawlessly. A particular highlight, as teased in the trailer, is Woody’s new balding look, which goes on to provide some of the best visual jokes in the entire film.
Toy Story films have always possessed an indescribable magic that transcends generations effortlessly, something that was lost slightly with Toy Story 4 but has undeniably been recaptured in Toy Story 5. It brushes aside any fears that the franchise was running out of steam and, if this is the level of quality being promised going forward, audiences will welcome five more. While it may not reach the unbelievable heights of the original trilogy, Toy Story 5 is a must-watch and will rightfully go down as the family film of the summer.