Back in 1995, Pixar became a household name with the release of Toy Story. Not only was it the first fully computer-animated feature film, but it also proved that animation could resonate with adults and children alike. After three masterful films, most audiences believed the franchise had reached its conclusion. Then came Toy Story 4, which surprised even the most cynical fans, including yours truly, by delivering another fun and heartfelt journey with the toys that we have all come to love and cherish.
Unfortunately, that goodwill was followed by Lightyear, a misguided spinoff that came dangerously close to destroying the legacy of one cinema’s greatest film franchises. Thankfully, audiences largely rejected it, and the film crashed and burned at the box office. Toy Story 5 was officially given the green light in February of 2023, roughly six months after Lightyear bombed at the box office. One has to think and in my mind believe that Pixar knew that these characters deserved better and wanted to make a new film that served as a reminder to this franchise’s history and legacy, which is what I think is what makes Toy Story 5 so incredibly special.
Toy Story 5 centers on Bonnie as she gets older and begins navigating a world increasingly dominated by technology. While she still shares a deep bond with Jessie (Joan Cusack), Bonnie struggles to make friends at school, prompting her parents to do what many parents do today: turn to technology for help. Enter Lilypad (Greta Lee), a tablet designed to keep Bonnie engaged and connected. Almost immediately, Bonnie’s longtime toys begin to feel replaced and rejected as Lilypad becomes an increasingly important part of her daily life.
As the story continues to unfold, screenwriters Andrew Stanton and Kenna Harris thoughtfully explore both the benefits and drawbacks of technology while tackling themes of online bullying, friendship, growing up, and learning when it’s time to let go and move on. Through these compelling storylines, Toy Story 5 proves to be a worthy addition to the franchise, delivering a surprisingly poignant and timely message. More importantly, it serves as a heartfelt reminder that while technology may play an increasingly dominant role in our lives, nothing can truly replace the joy, creativity, and imagination that toys inspire.
The magic of the Toy Story franchise has always come down to its characters and the stories they tell. These are timeless characters that have endured for more than three decades across films, video games, television specials, and countless other forms of entertainment. The Toy Story universe is expansive, yet it continues to resonate with children and adults alike because the themes at its core are universal. Whether it’s friendship, belonging, growing up, or learning to let go, these films tap into emotions that audiences around the world can relate to. It’s a testament to why Pixar remains one of the most respected names in animation and storytelling.
While Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will always be major draws for the franchise, it was Joan Cusack who impressed me the most here, much like she did in Toy Story 2. There is something remarkably human about Jessie, and I think that’s why the film’s emotional moments land as effectively as they do. Cusack brings an incredible vulnerability to the role, and it’s clear how deeply connected she is to the character. Every line feels authentic, heartfelt, and lived in.
When voice acting is this powerful, it raises an important question: why don’t more major awards bodies recognize this craft? Tom Hanks recently suggested that Cusack’s work deserves Best Actress consideration, and while that may seem like a long shot given Hollywood’s historical reluctance to honor animated performances outside of Best Animated Feature, the conversation is worth having. Whether it’s the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Golden Globes, or the Motion Picture Academy, there should be greater recognition for voice performances that are every bit as nuanced and emotionally affecting as their live-action counterparts. The Emmys have already embraced this category on the television side, but film awards continue to overlook some truly extraordinary work. If Toy Story 5 proves anything, it’s that a great performance is a great performance, regardless of whether the actor ever appears on screen.
Music also plays a significant role in the film’s emotional impact. Taylor Swift’s original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” is a stunning addition to the Toy Story legacy and feels destined to be part of the awards season conversation. The song perfectly captures the film’s themes of friendship, change, and letting go, closing out the film and leaving a lasting impression on the audience as they exit the theater. At the same time, Randy Newman’s score once again proves why he has been such an essential part of this franchise from the very beginning. His music elevates several of the film’s most emotional scenes, adding layers of warmth, nostalgia, and heartbreak that make the story’s biggest moments hit even harder.
Toy Story 5 is a wonderfully heartfelt return to form for Pixar Animation Studios and a reminder of why the Toy Story franchise remains one of the greatest film series ever made. Just like Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3 before it, Toy Story 5 is an animated masterpiece and will be remembered fondly as another incredible addition to Pixar’s already iconic legacy.
Grade: 9 out of 10.
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