When Toy Story 5 was a announced a couple years ago during Disney’s showcase, I rolled my eyes. Not because I don’t like the franchise (I do very much), but because of all studio entities, Pixar’s DNA is most associated with original world-building and taking creative risks. So the thought of the fifth film in a decades-long running franchise simply felt uninspired within the confines of our IP-saturated cinematic marketplace. But I’m pleased to report that Toy Story 5 is as sweet and funny as ever, with an urgent message about our children being raised by devices.
I have two kids myself, Max (7) and Zoey (5), and I’m terrified of what technology is doing to our kids. Social media companies profit off of addictive algorithms. Cyber-bullying leads to suicide. And now with the AI, we don’t know what’s real anymore. So I was impressed with the extent to which this film indicts the social, behavioral and emotional damage that screens can have on kids; especially fascinating from a medium (film) and its corporate overlord (Disney) both whom are dependent on devices for survival. Screenwriters Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris use humor and relatable parenting situations to effectively convey their plea.
Even within familiar surroundings, Toy Story always finds creative ways to world-build with new characters that reflect the times and add depth to the context of the storytelling. While Lilypad, the kids tablet antagonist, is the primary target of the screenwriters’ tech ire, old school devices like Smarty Pants the potty trainer and Snappy the digital camera, provide a fresh jolt of jokes and help Jessie on her mission to help Bonnie make real friends. It feels like an acknowledgement that tech has been around for kids in evolving forms throughout history and is a shared experience that bridges generations. But this era is different.
I will say Buzz Lightyear’s arc is a miss. Nervously courting one’s love interest throughout feels antiquated and out of place, especially while being surrounded by more innovative creative choices. I also appreciate Joan Cusack as an actress and her long career of good performances, but I personally find her voice a little grating, so it wasn’t my favorite thing that Jessie was front and center this time around.
Toy Story 5 is a very good film overall. There’s a freshness and urgency to it, accompanied by some quality laughs and animated spectacle. I don’t think this movie needed to be made, but I’m glad it was.
