Could there be a more beloved franchise than that of Toy Story? We think not.
At its core, Toy Story 5 is a story about navigating change and finding strength in the relationships that guide us through life’s uncertainties. While the film embraces the emotional legacy, it also introduces fresh challenges that allow its characters to grow in ways that feel authentic and rewarding. Resulting in a soon-to-be hit that balances nostalgia and honoring the past while confidently looking toward the future. We are certain this isn’t the last time we hear from these toys.
Woody (Tom Hanks) returns to Toy Story 5 after his emotional farewell at the end of Toy Story 4, and his reintroduction is filled with both humor and heart. It is quite evident that the filmmakers had fun bringing the beloved cowboy back into the mix. As seen in the trailers, Woody now sports a slightly worn appearance, complete with a shiny bald spot where years of play have rubbed away his paint. The film cleverly compares the aging of toys to that of people, resulting in some of its funniest moments.
Tom Hanks once again brings warmth, sincerity, and emotional depth to Woody. One particularly touching moment comes when Woody reacts to a meaningful question from Buzz Lightyear – a brief, perfectly delivered gasp that speaks volumes. We don’t want to give away the scene, but you’ll know it when you hear it.
Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) also returns in top form, but this time, not only is Tim Allen voicing the original Buzz, but a squadron of 50 High-Tech Buzz Lightyear toys who have crash-landed on a deserted island. Their quest to reconnect with Star Command delivers plenty of laughs, while also providing numerous callbacks to the original Toy Story.
Longtime Toy Story fans will appreciate the familiar dialogue, character dynamics, and heartfelt exchanges between Buzz and Woody throughout the film. Beyond the nostalgia, the film explores a more vulnerable side of Buzz Lightyear. Allen expertly balances the character’s trademark confidence and humor with an emotional arc that centers on Buzz’s evolving relationship with Jessie.
The emotional center of Toy Story 5 belongs to Jessie. Joan Cusack delivers what may be one of the strongest vocal performances in the franchise’s history. The heart, energy, and emotion she drew from herself to give to Jessie’s journey are extraordinary. Jessie’s storyline in the film is both epic and deeply personal, evoking powerful memories of Toy Story 2, while allowing her to step into the spotlight like she never has before.
Directors Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris, along with their team, have crafted a film that feels simultaneously fresh and familiar. As Jessie’s story unfolds, audiences are transported back to scenes and memories that shaped her, creating a powerful connection between her past and present. A theme that we can all relate to.
While the film remains rooted in themes of friendship and loyalty, the bond between Bonnie and newcomer Blaze adds an emotional layer. The magic of a childhood friendship serves as a reminder of the connections that can shape us throughout our lives; that connection may be a person or even a toy cowgirl named Jessie.
Friendship themes go viral as Lilypad (Greta Lee) becomes a standout character. Without giving too much away, Greta Lee gives an outstanding performance as the snarky tech toy.
HUMOR
While Toy Story 5 delivers plenty of emotional moments, the humor is equally impressive. From Forky’s perfectly timed one-liners to Karen Beverly’s comedicly wrong observations, the laughs are consistent throughout the film. Some of our favorite moments would be with Dolly wearing glasses, and Combat Carl’s reflections on tea time among a group of forgotten toys.
Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien) emerges as one of the film’s breakout characters with his over-the-top antics and hilarity. Whether he’s calling Jessie a “bossy cowgirl”, chatting to his AA battery companions Atlas and Snappy, or celebrating the joy of new batteries, O’Brien’s comedic energy shines through every line. A scene that stood out to us was a clever playtime imagination sequence that gives Smarty Pants a familiar red haristyle, a playful nod to O’Brien himself.
LIGHTING/ANIMATION
As with every Pixar production, lighting plays a vital role in shaping both the visual experience and the film’s emotional tone. In Toy Story 5, when children were on their tablets, the scenes were bathed in a cool, bluish-white light, which created a sense of distance and interest. In contrast, the moments of genuine play and connection are illuminated with warm and inviting tones, reminding us of the joy and feeling of friendship and human connection.
Just as in every Pixar film, the lighting guides the audience both visually and emotionally. In Toy Story 5, the filmmakers created a blueish-white, almost cold lighting when kids are on their tablets; when they are off their screens, the lighting is warm and inviting.
Visually, Toy Story 5 is stunning. What we love about watching Pixar sequels is seeing just how far the technology has evolved from film to film. The animation and effects from Blaze’s hair, the countless horse characters in the film, and our personal favorite, the playtime imagination sequences.
These pastel storybook sequences are stunning! You instantly know that you’re transported into the world of imagination; the chalk-like atmosphere is just perfection. We could rewatch these scenes over and over again.
OUR THOUGHTS
After watching Toy Story 5, we were reminded exactly why this is one of Pixar’s most beloved franchises. The film delivers everything you would expect from a Toy Story film and gives us a storyline we didn’t know we were missing about characters who mean so much to us.
While the film embraces nostalgia through several thoughtful callbacks, it never relies on it. Instead, those familiar moments serve as a foundation for a new chapter, allowing Jessie to step into the spotlight in a way that feels both natural and long overdue. Her journey is emotional, and one we didn’t realize we were missing all this time.
We were particularly impressed by how the filmmakers handled the themes of bullying, belonging, and the desire to ‘fit in’. These elements are explored with such sensitivity, making the theme relatable to both younger and adult audiences.
At the heart of it all, Toy Story has always been a story about friendship, and that theme remains as powerful as ever in Toy Story 5. The film’s closing moments with Bonnie are made even more memorable by the ending song from Taylor Swift, whose music embodies friendship.
Toy Story 5 proves that there are plenty of stories left in the toy box. Pixar has delivered another heartfelt homerun, and we can’t wait to see where the toys take us next.
