Pixar's Toy Story 5 brings Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Bonnie's toys face-to-face with technology in a colorful sequel that entertains kids but feels weaker for adults.
Over 30 years ago, audiences were introduced to Andy's (John Morris) toys. Woody (Tom Hanks; Cast Away), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen; The Santa Clause), and the rest of the gang kept Andy entertained all the time, but when Andy grew up and went off to college, it was time to move on. That is exactly what the toys did when they found their new homes as part of Bonnie's (Scarlett Spears; Wicked: For Good) toys. However, in the past 30 years, electronics have become more prevalent not only at work but in everyday life, including kids' playtime. So, what are Woody, Buzz, Jessie (Joan Cusack; The Perks of Being a Wallflower), etc., supposed to do when Lilypad (Greta Lee; Tron: Ares) suddenly shows up in Bonnie's world? Toy Story 5 gives audiences an inside glimpse of our ever-changing world from a toy's perspective.
Bonnie is getting older but still loves playing with Andy's toys, which now belong to her. However, she seems to be having a hard time making friends because, while she is playing with her toys, other kids her age are using technology to connect and play. When her parents buy Bonnie a Lilypad, she suddenly becomes part of the "group" and gets invited to a sleepover, which all seems good until she doesn't "connect" with the other girls and feels more isolated than ever. Meanwhile, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the other toys are trying to keep Bonnie away from Lilypad as they see this new technology as a bad thing.
The obvious moral of this story is that technology isn't necessarily a good thing, and kids still need personal interactions in life. There needs to be a balance between screens and humans, but it seems increasingly as if the scales are tipping in favor of technology. It is changing social interactions and humanity as a whole, and people seem to care less for others than they used to in the past.
The vocal talent in this film series includes some of the best around, and the consistency of having Hanks, Allen, and Cusack back once again is part of what makes this franchise so beloved. We have come to know these characters and feel warmth and comfort from them even when they are trying to teach us a valuable lesson. There are also some great new additions to this most recent installment of the franchise, including Lee, Conan O'Brien (The Lego Batman Movie), and Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish).
Toy Story 5 has both positives and negatives that need to be mentioned, beginning with the plot. Unlike past films, this one seems to have a somewhat less cohesive storyline and tends to juggle several balls in the air all at once. However, this negative is offset by the addition of incorporating new technology into the plot and how it affects children and their everyday interactions. Again, the cast is positive, as is the animation. I don't think I have ever seen such detailed animation before, especially in Jessie's "yarn" hair and the fabric covering Bullseye's body. The animation is a plus and indicates the care taken by Disney/Pixar to create a quality product.
For its intended audience (children), the movie will hold their attention, and most will most likely enjoy it. It has excitement and is colorful, and has fun and funny characters. For older audiences, though, this is the weakest of the series and could have been a straight-to-Disney+ streaming release. Regardless, the result will put a smile on your face and have you leaving the theater a little more lighthearted than when you went in.
Grade: B-
