Let’s be honest: after TOY STORY 4, it felt like Pixar had already given these characters the perfect goodbye.
So the biggest surprise about TOY STORY 5 isn’t that it exists. It’s that it actually works.
Rather than simply revisiting old nostalgia, Pixar uses its fifth installment to tackle a very modern question: what happens when toys aren’t competing with other toys anymore? What happens when they’re competing with screens?
The result is a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly thoughtful sequel that doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of TOY STORY 3, but comes closer than many fans expected. Critics have largely praised the film’s ability to balance nostalgia with contemporary themes, particularly its exploration of children’s relationship with technology.
This time around, Bonnie’s attention is increasingly pulled toward a new tablet-like device called Lilypad, leaving Jessie, Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang wondering whether traditional play still has a place in a digital world. Instead of centering Woody’s journey once again, the film wisely places Jessie at the heart of the story, giving Joan Cusack one of her strongest outings in the franchise. Multiple reviewers highlighted Jessie as the film’s emotional anchor and one of its biggest strengths.
That shift in focus proves to be one of the sequel’s smartest decisions.
Jessie’s long-standing fears of abandonment have always made her one of the franchise’s most emotionally complex characters. Here, those fears return in a new form as she watches technology become Bonnie’s preferred companion. The story uses that conflict to explore themes of relevance, connection, and the changing ways children interact with the world.
Visually, the film is another Pixar triumph.
The animation remains stunning, with several sequences that rank among the studio’s most beautiful work in years. Critics have especially praised the film’s imaginative visual style and its ability to bring Bonnie’s imagination to life in fresh ways.
The screenplay isn’t perfect, however.
One criticism that appears repeatedly is that TOY STORY 5 occasionally revisits familiar territory. The franchise has always been built around fears of being replaced or left behind, and some of the story beats echo earlier films a little too closely. Several reviewers felt the movie sometimes relies on themes and emotional arcs the series has already explored.
Even so, the film’s emotional sincerity helps overcome those shortcomings.
What ultimately makes TOY STORY 5 successful is that it isn’t really about technology. It’s about connection. The movie recognizes that the world has changed while still arguing that imagination, friendship, and play remain essential parts of growing up. Rather than presenting technology as the villain, it ultimately arrives at a more balanced and thoughtful message.
For longtime fans, there’s also plenty of nostalgia. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang still feel like old friends, and Pixar knows exactly when to lean into those emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. Audience reaction threads have been notably positive, with many viewers praising the film for feeling fresher than expected while still honoring the franchise’s legacy.
Final Verdict
TOY STORY 5 may not surpass the franchise’s greatest entries, but it earns its place alongside them. By shifting the spotlight to Jessie and exploring childhood in the digital age, Pixar delivers a sequel that feels relevant, funny, and emotionally satisfying. It occasionally retreads familiar ground, but strong performances, gorgeous animation, and a heartfelt message help make this one of Pixar’s better recent efforts.
Rating: 8.8/10
Editor-in-Chief | Seat42F, a leading source of entertainment news, information, television and movie resources.
