Whenever a film does really well, if there is room for a sequel, the big studios tend to want to carry on the franchise. After the major success of Toy Story (1995) and what it did for computer generated animation, Walt Disney Studios and Pixar have continued Woody and Buzz’s world. Those who are fans of what can now be considered the 1995 classic, are constantly weary every time a sequel is in the making. As we have seen so many flops in other franchises, we do not want that for the Toy Story world. Yet somehow, apart from the tragedy that was Lightyear (2022), each Toy Story sequel continues to capture the hearts and emotions of the original audience.
2026 seems to be the year of generational sequels. Shrek, Scary Movie, Minions. So many franchises are receiving films number three or later. Toy Story is just one of the same. Except, where it may succeed above its cohorts is in the fact that somehow, with each continual sequel, the Toy Story franchise produces films that each in their own way connect with the audience. No film can be as perfect as the original from 1995, but they continue to amaze and surprise us all. Toy Story 5 is shockingly almost just the same. In a happy turn of events, the storyline within the newest edition of the franchise gives the original audience their characters, while providing a timely and relevant twist.
Growing up has been a relevant theme throughout each Toy Story film, with Andy (John Morris) passing along his toys in Toy Story 3 to Woody (Tom Hanks) going on the hunt to save abandoned toys in Toy Story 4, there is always something changing in this universe. Reflecting on the real world in each film, Toy Story 5 is just as relevant as each previous film. The creatives behind the film clearly knew what they were doing when creating a fifth film in the franchise. Now, half way through the second decade of the 21st century, technology’s rise is more relevant than ever and the toys are on the edge of it all.
Toys meet tech in Toy Story 5. Living with Bonnie (Scarlett Spears), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang are working hard to help her make friends. Suddenly, to try and let her fit in with the other kids, Bonnie’s Mom (Lori Alan) and Dad (Jay Hernandez) buy her a Lilypad (Greta Lee) to “connect”. Thinking it is for the best, Bonnie is immediately infatuated with the Lilypad. Confronted by this tablet device, bringing her own disruptive ideas about how best to support Bonnie, the toys come face to face with the fact that playtime might never be the same again.
Nothing will ever beat the magic one felt when witnessing the new form of computer generated animation in Toy Story. But with each additional film, the characters do not change. They remain their same unique selves and with the voice cast continuing to return with each upcoming film, their allure and welcomeness remains. In over thirty years of Toy Story, Allen, Hanks and Cusack keep coming back and even without seeing the films, you know they are passionate about what they are creating. It can be felt as soon as the first frame opens each movie, the cast would not be there had they not thought there was a new story worth sharing. In Toy Story 5, there is a story there. A surprising one, but most compelling to be the fifth installation.
Jessie is the star of the show in Toy Story 5. Finally given the chance to explore her origins and allow her to understand what it truly means to be there for her kid. As the group of toys react to the up and coming rise in technologies and how their kids are affected, Jessie is at the forefront of the action. Needing to get Bonnie friends and keep her safe from the ever looming truth of bullies out there, there is nothing Jessie will not do for her girl. Amidst her attempts however, we witness ups and downs and the truth all toys might come to realize. Change is a fact of life and it is the way in which we go about accepting or not accepting, that can prove to have the most impactful results.
As much as Jessie faithfully takes over the world, each additional element plays well to bode for the next adventure of Andy’s original toys. From the moment we witness a toy’s eyes opening, Toy Story is brought back to its audience. Unlike many franchises, or even reboots, that try to become relevant for the new generation, Toy Story 5 knows what it is doing when it comes to the digital age. In a mysterious and intriguing way, the film reminds adults just how much their kids might be obsessed with tablets and handheld devices. Though irrelevant from the overall plot, one could hope that this may cause a reflection in adults around the world. Making them think more about how much screen time their children are allowed.
While within the film itself, the journey not only the toys, but the tech take as well, is whimsical and wholehearted. Unfortunately, slightly predictable, the events that unfold in Toy Story 5 are still welcoming and enjoyable. It makes all the difference in the world that when, as a viewer, what you hope will happen comes to pass. In a world where kids are constantly on their devices and screens, you want them to have the childhood experience you had. Jessie wants this for Bonnie as well. But Lilypad believes what she is doing to get Bonnie friends is just as right as what Jessie wants from her viewpoint.
That is what life ends up really being about in the end, perspective. We might all have our ideas of right and wrong, but what matters more is the outcome of our actions. In Toy Story 5, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang must come to terms with the changing world. Working together in the end is the only way to help their kid. An understanding of the changing times and instead of running away, being afraid or fighting it, the best way to face what is coming is to embrace it and work with it. We all have those moments of reflection on our childhood and our favourite toys. The conversion from play to gaming, even in adults, is relevant to us all.
Then, with each coming sequel of beloved original franchise films, that worry with how well the film will be remains. Thankfully, Toy Story 5 proves us wrong again. Four times this has occurred, the worry about how good they can make ANOTHER Toy Story film. But repeatedly the team at the studio, along with Allen, Hanks and Cusack, prove us wrong.
The Toy Story franchise always finds a way to make magic for the passionate viewer. Bringing us back into the world of Woody, Buzz and Jessie, we are constantly reminded of what drew audiences into the original. Reflecting on the world’s current state and making a creative adventure for the characters to go on, Toy Story 5 can only be another wild ride for the crew. Releasing in cinemas across the UK on Friday, June 19, with previews Thursday the 18th, get ready for a new journey with the beloved team of toys.
