After nearly three decades, you might think the toy box would be empty. Surely Woody, Buzz and the gang have said everything they need to say by now? Surprisingly, Toy Story 5 proves there’s still some life left in Pixar’s most beloved franchise.
The latest chapter reunites audiences with the familiar characters that many of us have grown up with, while introducing a fresh story that feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but for the most part, Toy Story 5 manages to pull it off.
What makes Toy Story 5 feel surprisingly relevant is the way it tackles a challenge many families will recognise. This time, Woody, Buzz and Jessie aren’t competing with another toy or facing a trip to the attic. Instead, they’re confronted with something far more familiar to modern kids: screens and technology.
Bonnie is growing up, and like many eight-year-olds, she’s navigating friendships in an increasingly digital world. Enter Lilypad, a clever frog-shaped tablet with strong opinions about what’s best for her kid. Through online chats and a social platform known as “The Pond”, Bonnie begins connecting with friends in new ways, forcing the toys to grapple with a question they never imagined having to ask: what does playtime look like in the age of technology?
Thankfully, the movie doesn’t fall into the trap of portraying technology as the enemy. Instead, it presents a far more balanced message. Online friendships, digital communication and traditional play all have value, and much of the film’s heart comes from watching the characters wrestle with how these worlds can coexist. It’s a thoughtful approach that feels refreshingly nuanced, especially for a family film.
There are also plenty of delightful new characters. Conan O’Brien steals scenes as Smarty Pants, a sarcastic toilet-training toy long forgotten, while Greta Lee’s Lilypad is much more than a simple antagonist. Her motivations are understandable, and like Jessie, she’s ultimately trying to help Bonnie connect with others.
Visually, Pixar continues to impress. The sequences inspired by Bonnie’s imagination have a handmade, arts-and-crafts quality, using pastel textures and exaggerated designs that make them stand apart from previous films. The result is some of the most creative imagery the franchise has produced in years. Overall, the animation technology has come a long way since the original Toy Story arrived in cinemas back in 1995, and it really shows. Pixar continues to set a high standard when it comes to animation, and Toy Story 5 is no exception..
Perhaps the greatest compliment you can give Toy Story 5 is that it doesn’t feel like a cynical cash grab. There’s genuine warmth and affection behind the story, even if it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the first few films. It may not become everyone’s favourite entry in the series, but it earns its place on the shelf.
So, is Toy Story 5 worth seeing?
Absolutely. While it may not reach the heights of Pixar’s very best, it’s funny, heartfelt and beautifully animated, with enough charm to remind us why these characters have remained part of popular culture for so long. Whether you’re introducing a new generation to Woody and Buzz or simply revisiting some old friends yourself, Toy Story 5 offers an enjoyable trip back to infinity—and beyond.
FILM INFORMATION:
Rated: (G)
Consumer Advice: Very mild bullying themes and violence
Runtime: 102 minutes
Releasing exclusively in cinemas June 18
