Toy Story 5 Review: A Fun and Emotional Reminder That Toys Still Matter
Rating: 8/10
Light spoilers ahead
I had a really fun time watching Toy Story 5. It is light, easy to follow, and has the kind of charm that makes the story enjoyable for both kids and adults. It does not try too hard to be complicated, but it still manages to say something meaningful, especially for those who grew up with the franchise.
This time, the movie centers on Jessie as she tries to help Bonnie find friends. The challenge is that toys are no longer as exciting to the current generation as they used to be. Bonnie gets introduced to Lilypad, a tablet that connects to the internet, and suddenly the toys begin to feel like they are being pushed aside.
What I really liked is that the movie did not villainize technology. It was not saying, “Tablets are evil, throw them away.” It was more about how technology is used and how it can slowly replace things if people are not careful. Lilypad tries to take over the role that toys used to have in Bonnie’s life, but the movie beautifully shows that there are still things only toys can bring.
The emotional heart of the movie is Jessie. Since she has been left behind by previous owners before, she starts questioning if she ever really left a mark on the kids who once loved her. That part hit me. Her story becomes a beautiful lesson about acceptance, purpose, and the truth that life goes on. People may move forward without us, but that does not mean we did not matter to them.
Jessie’s arc was my favorite part of the movie. She finds her true purpose without losing herself, and that made her journey really inspiring. I also loved the little side story of Buzz trying to admit his feelings to Jessie. It was sweet, funny, and honestly, a little chaotic in the best way.
The group of Jessie, Bullseye, Atlas, Snappy, and Smarty Pants was also so fun to watch. There were no boring moments with them. The horses especially brought so much laughter. One of the funniest scenes was when all the Buzzes rode the toy horses. It was ridiculous, unexpected, and exactly the kind of scene that makes you remember why Toy Story has always been so fun.
The pacing worked really well too. The movie knew when to make the audience laugh and when to make them emotional. It never felt too slow, and the adventure kept moving without becoming messy.
My biggest issue with the movie is Woody. He did not feel truly needed in the story. Knowing that he was the main character of the previous movies, it was sad to see him have very little screen time. I understand that this movie gives Jessie more space to shine, but Woody’s presence felt more like a reminder than an important part of the story.
The ending was satisfying, but it also left a cliffhanger. So of course, the big question is: will there be another one?
Overall, Toy Story 5 is a fun, emotional, and meaningful addition to the franchise. Kids will definitely enjoy the adventure, but I think the story will resonate more with teenagers and adults, especially those who grew up with Toy Story. It is funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly relatable.
This movie reminds us that even when people move on, the love we gave them still matters. And sometimes, the things that seem old or forgotten still have something special to give.
