MOVIE REVIEW: Toy Story 5

MOVIE REVIEW: Toy Story 5

Published 2:03 pm Friday, June 26, 2026

Well, Disney has me in my feels once more with “Toy Story 5,” which often is the franchise’s greatest movie since “Toy Story 2” in 1999. 

Timely, emotional, and with the identical wit and creativeness now we have come to know and love from Woody, Buzz and the gang, this movie is one that’s going to ship an emotional intestine punch and resonate with audiences. 

I sniffled by way of the final half-hour of the film, not as a result of it’s overly unhappy however as a result of it hits that good stability of melancholy and empathy. Of course, I don’t need to make this appear to be a sob-fest. 

“Toy Story 5” continues to be tremendous entertaining, humorous, and most significantly, kid-friendly. This iteration proves the toys nonetheless have a spot within the toy field, and the large display.

Even after 31 years, our favourite gaggle of toys are in hassle once more. But as an alternative of Sid, Zurg, or Lotso Bear, the villain on this movie is know-how and its affect on childhood. Bonnie is likely one of the few youngsters her age that also performs with toys. Her dad and mom have been preventing the urge to get a pill, however once they understand Bonnie is having a tough time making pals, they purchase a Lilypad (Greta Lee) within the hopes that can assist join her to children in her dance class. But a lot to the horror of the toys, particularly their fearless chief Jesse (Joan Cusack) who’s sheriff now that Woody (Tom Hanks) is gone, Bonnie begins to disregard the real-world. Instead of utilizing her creativeness, she goes right into a zombie-like trance being sucked into the world of video games and apps.

The toys rally collectively to attempt to put a cease to Lilypad, unplugging her from the wall and dealing to maintain her away from Bonnie. Jesse even makes an attempt to go subsequent door to encourage the neighbor’s twins to change into Bonnie’s pals. However, she is confronted with the truth that everyone seems to be hooked on their screens — the period of the toy is over. But Jesse isn’t one to take abandonment calmly. Concerned that Bonnie is rising distant, Jesse takes it upon herself to seek out new pals for her and, within the course of, reminds each Bonnie and the remainder of the toys why they proceed to play such an essential function within the baby’s life.

If I can depend on something with a “Toy Story” film, it’s that the story goes to deliver an unlimited quantity of allure and magic. And this poignant story feels written for a brand new era of youngsters whose dad and mom grew up on these motion pictures. 

Whereas earlier movies tackled what occurred to toys after their house owners grew up, “Toy Story 5” explores an much more perilous idea, what occurs if toys change into out of date altogether? 

I like that the filmmakers determined to focus the story on Jesse, a toy whose historical past has centered round emotions of being deserted. Jesse realizes that her objective is a lot greater than being a play merchandise, she was instrumental in giving children a way of identification and a mechanism to fulfill and work together with pals. And all of those parts are in danger when children cease enjoying and begin tapping.

The script is filled with the humor now we have grown to like in a “Toy Story” movie, my favorites of which had been the continued call-backs to Woody’s new “bald spot” and the imaginative spy-wedding thrillers created by Bonnie when she performed with the toy gang. There are plenty of transferring elements to maintain observe of to make this a cohesive story — together with new/outdated a number of characters and modifications of surroundings — and I like that the script continued to shock me. You might imagine the military of Buzz Lightyears are a random aspect quest, till they change into a key aspect to the principle story.

“Toy Story 5” is the right mixture of humor and coronary heart, with a priceless lesson cooked in concerning the risks of display habit and the worth of real-life relationships. Don’t let the truth that that is the fifth installment within the franchise idiot you — this isn’t a cash seize. It is a triumphant journey that continues to ring a bell with viewers of all ages. Despite being one of the vital constantly good franchises, after “Toy Story 4,” I puzzled if this franchise would have the legs to return for one more iteration. Now I can’t wait to see what the workforce is dreaming up subsequent.

Note: There is a mid-credit scene so be sure you keep and watch as soon as the credit roll!

My overview: A