Toy Story 5 (dirs. McKenna Harris & Andrew Stanton) 

By: Dave Hughes

For over three decades, Buzz, Woody, Jessie, Slinky Dog, and the rest of cinema's most famous toys have graced the big screen. They have survived everything from a sadistic next-door neighbor to a bitter daycare bear with nefarious intentions. There is an undeniable magic whenever audiences revisit these memorable characters and their journeys. The whole crew returns for Toy Story 5, a fourth sequel that may surprise some with its arrival 31 years after the release of the original, but one that is absolutely certain to win the hearts and minds of audiences young and old.

Toy Story 5 begins with a new toy arriving to disrupt the delicate ecosystem of Bonnie’s playroom. This new addition, a high-tech toy named Lilypad, instantly triggers a familiar anxiety: the fear of being replaced. While this is a recurring theme for the franchise, it carries a sharp, menacing edge this time around. The toys fear Lilypad, and with good reason, as she is fully aware of the power she wields over Bonnie and her parents. This escalating dread drives Jessie to reach out to her old friend Woody for guidance on how to navigate her insecurity and maintain a genuine impact on Bonnie’s life. With Jessie serving as the film's surprising and deeply emotional anchor, the plot takes off into a highly welcome addition to the saga.

There are many new additions to the cast this time around, but perhaps none is more welcome than Conan O’Brien (The Lego Batman Movie) as Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy that Jessie encounters on her journey. O’Brien’s trademark humor is surprisingly effective in a family-friendly setting, radiating a charismatic charm. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks (Philadelphia), Tim Allen (The Santa Clause), and Joan Cusack (The Bride) deliver vocal performances that are every bit as nostalgic and comforting as audiences remember. Ultimately, the film justifies the necessity of each individual character with a remarkable level of care. With an ensemble as massive as this franchise carries, it's an impressive feat that makes the entire movie better for it.

There are moments in Toy Story 5 that are reminiscent of earlier sequels, and some viewers may initially feel there is not enough new material to justify its existence. However, whenever the movie trends too far into familiar territory, it quickly and effectively pivots the narrative to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Perhaps the biggest shift of all is finally giving Joan Cusack’s Jessie the true central role, allowing the audience to learn much more about her background and what makes her tick. While Woody and Buzz take more of a backseat this time around, which may disappoint long-time fans expecting another traditional buddy adventure, the film is ultimately rewarded for its bravery.

As always with the original Pixar franchise, the humor successfully operates on two distinct levels, reaching children and adults alike. There is a surprising amount of self-awareness in this installment, with the film openly acknowledging both the highlights and the lowlights of its own legacy. While adult viewers will deeply appreciate this meta-commentary, younger audiences will simply relish the familiarity of these iconic figures. Ultimately, it makes for an exciting cinematic experience that seamlessly bridges the gap between generations who grew up with the property and children just discovering it for the first time.

Target Score 8.5/10 The Toy Story saga remains one of cinema's most remarkably consistent properties, reliably delivering high-quality storytelling no matter how many years pass between sequels. There is a lasting magic to these movies, and this latest installment ensures that audiences young and old will remain thoroughly entertained.