Toy Story 5 - Honest Public Reviews

As a lifelong Pixar fan-and especially a massive Toy Story fan since I was a kid-Toy Story 5 meant a lot to me. It's been a long time since we've had a new entry in the franchise, and after seeing the trailers, I was really hoping this film would recapture some of the magic of the original trilogy. Toy Story 4 was a disappointment for me, so I went into this one cautiously optimistic.

The first thing that absolutely blew me away was the animation. Pixar is operating on a completely different level now. At times it felt like they were showing off, and honestly, I wasn't complaining. The water animation, the way sunlight interacted with environments, the animals, and the incredible detail in every background were all stunning. Even the materials on the toys looked unbelievably realistic. Every frame felt packed with detail, and visually this may be the best-looking Toy Story film yet.

Story-wise, I thought it was a significant improvement over Toy Story 4. The plot was engaging, and I appreciated the direction they took with it. However, when the credits rolled, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted more. The film never quite delivered that emotional punch that Pixar is famous for. Usually, Toy Story movies leave me laughing one moment and tearing up the next, but this time the emotional moments didn't hit as hard as I expected.

I could clearly see what Pixar was trying to do by making Jessie more of a central character. The film leans into themes of female empowerment and gives Jessie a chance to step into a leadership role. I actually enjoyed that aspect and can understand why Pixar would want younger girls to have a character like Jessie at the forefront. That being said, I still missed Woody being the heart of the story. For me, Woody has always been the soul of Toy Story, and his reduced role was noticeable.

Tim Allen's Buzz Lightyear was, as always, a highlight. He brought plenty of laughs, and some of the funniest moments in the movie involved Buzz. In fact, the comedy might have been my favourite part of the entire film. I found myself laughing out loud far more than I expected, and the jokes landed consistently throughout.

One message I absolutely loved was the film's commentary on technology and children's imaginations. The way it explored the impact of iPads and screens on playtime felt incredibly relevant. Without feeling overly preachy, the movie reminded both children and parents of the importance of imagination, creativity, and the connection kids can build with their toys. It's a message that resonated with me, and I genuinely hope it has the same impact on families watching it.

Overall, Toy Story 5 is a good movie. I'm not disappointed, and I certainly enjoyed my time with it. It's visually spectacular, genuinely funny, and tells a stronger story than its predecessor. At the same time, I can't help but feel slightly unsatisfied because it feels like it's missing that special ingredient that made the original trilogy so unforgettable. While it may not reach the emotional heights of the classics, it's still a worthy addition to the franchise and one that longtime fans will likely appreciate.

When this film got announced, I thought it be a cheap cash grab since i thought they were going to do the evil Buzz thing again but no. Toy Story 5, a film that's actually great and makes up for a miss step that was 4 and I actually enjoyed it the whole way through and i even say it's on par with Toy Story 2.

A bunch of Modern Buzz Lightyear toys wash ashore with the capability of connecting to the internet and to fly. They boot up and collectively decide to follow the north star. Meanwhile, a little girl named Bonnie gets a device named the Lillypad, similar to a tablet. Soon, she gets addicted to the screen and stops playing with her physical toys- Jessie and Bullseye. Soon, she seeks the help of Woody to make her play with the toys again. Will she succeed? What happens next? A gentle warning on what tech can do to little kids preventing them from not paying attention to their surroundings and failing to socialise with others, often falling into the wrong companionship.

Animation was sleek and the film handled all emotions well. Recommended for both kids and grown ups! (8.1/10)

I was very audible watching this. It was Jessie's movie for some reason cause there wasn't really more story to tell but I didn't hate it but please for the love of movies no more sequels. Maybe spinoffs? But for crying out loud tell us something we don't know. What about Andy's sister Molly? How was college? Where are Molly's toys? What about Emily and Jessie? You made that inconsequential in universe light year movie. If you have to make another one give a different character a movie. It'll add backstory and create lore. Ignore me. I'm just ranting.

It happened again: Pixar went and made another Toy Story movie after already "ending" the franchise, causing severe backlash, only for people to realize that the movie is pretty good. A very familiar cycle that happened first with Toy Story 4, and now with Toy Story 5, and we'll probably see it again when they do Toy Story 6. Once everyone got their eyes on this movie, the talk around it was VERY positive, I've seen a few claim that this is potentially the best Toy Story movie which is obviously a very bold statement.

I'm a huge fan of this franchise, I grew up on the first three. My first ever Halloween costume when I was like 2 years old was Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story 3 is one of my favorite animated movies, I unironically think it's a cinematic masterpiece. But I wasn't very fond of 4, so like everyone else, I was skeptical for this. But I'm happy to say that it is pretty dang good, although a tad overrated.

First and foremost I think this beats Toy Story 4 quite easily, and that's all I could've asked for tbh. It's a really good film but I had more issues with it than I thought I would, the biggest being the pacing. The pacing is prettyyy awful ngl. The entire first half of this movie is genuinely confusing because it is so chaotic and so fast-paced. The second half's pacing was much better but still wonky. This movie just feels overstimulating sometimes; the soundtrack never lets up, everyone is always talking over each other, and the dialogue is loud. Thankfully this issue is almost entirely resolved by the halfway point, but it's still a big issue nonetheless. I think the narrative shouldn't have been as hard to follow as it was, the pacing really killed the setup.

Luckily, my complaints end there. The pacing was bad enough for me to take several points off, but I liked basically everything else about Toy Story 5. Having this installment revolve around technology and the decreasing time kids spend with their toys just makes sense, there really wasn't any other direction this movie should've gone. Even better, it's not a cliché "kids and those darn phones" movie, it's way more nuanced than that. It's more of a criticism of how tech has made kids grow up too fast rather than kids using tech itself, which is a GREAT theme imo. This is something I found 11 year old me thinking when I was getting bullied online by kids from my school. It's so so much better than simply making Facebook boomer jokes about kids trying to swipe books and using internet slang irl. Kudos to Pixar for the theme.

The plot is great too, I didn't mind Jessie being the lead in the slightest. Woody stole the show in Toy Story 4, and Buzz's main story has technically been over for quite some time. Jessie learning to resolve her trauma and anxious attachment was really touching. This movie also places a bigger emphasis on their kid. I will always prefer Andy over Bonnie, but this movie makes you care about her in many ways that the original trilogy didn't do for Andy. Lastly, I LOVED seeing Woody and Buzz goof off again, I was smiling like an idiot every time they were on screen.

Overall this was an excellent and worthy addition to one of the best franchises of all time. If it had better pacing, I would consider this on the same level as Toy Story 2 and 3. It's that good. Strongly recommend! 8/10.

Toy Story 5 proves that there is still life left in Pixar's beloved franchise. While it may not reach the emotional heights of Toy Story 3 or provide the same sense of closure as Toy Story 4, the film delivers a heartfelt, entertaining adventure that successfully reunites audiences with Woody, Buzz, and the gang.

The story explores how toys fit into a world increasingly dominated by technology and digital entertainment, giving the franchise a fresh theme while staying true to its core message about friendship, loyalty, and purpose. The returning characters remain as charming as ever, and the film balances humor, action, and emotion in a way that will appeal to both longtime fans and younger viewers.

Visually, the animation is stunning, showcasing Pixar's continued mastery of the medium. The action sequences are energetic, the new characters are memorable, and the emotional moments land effectively, even if they feel somewhat familiar compared to previous installments.

The biggest challenge facing Toy Story 5 is justifying its existence after the seemingly definitive endings of earlier films. While it doesn't completely overcome that hurdle, it offers enough heart, humor, and adventure to make the journey worthwhile.

Ultimately, Toy Story 5 is a charming return to one of animation's most beloved worlds. It may not be the franchise's best chapter, but it reminds audiences why these characters have remained so enduring for nearly three decades.

I was really thinking that Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, we're getting old. I mean, really too old to do kids animated movies. Buzz Lightyear is 73 and Woody is only 69. Jessie is only 63 and maybe it's appropriate for a septugenarian and 2 sexagenaians, to be voicing characters who have been the toys of three generations of kids. The story of kids maturing past playing with toys is great for kids and their parents. The theme of screen time and its effects on younger kids is a great talking point for most kids and their parents. Discussing how tech can be detrimental, but valuable if used correctly, it can be very helpful to development. I liked the new characters I only wished they introduced someone other than Lilypad to be a possible heir. Very good, not great. Looks like a final curtain call to me.

Just Got Out Of a Dolby Cinema Screening of Toy Story 5.

• Of the Mainline Films, There's Never Been a Bad Toy Story Film imo.

👑 - Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, & Toy Story 3 are it's own thing. That Set-Up, Development, Further Build and Conclusion within that Trilogy Was Executed So Well.

• Toy Story 4 - If You watch it without thinking about The Trilogy, it's actually a Really Good Film.

And Now Toy Story 5. I think it's time to Stop Making These.

Positives -

💭 - The Imagination Sequences were Really Good to Watch. Especially the Spy/Bomb Sequence.

• The Lighting, Shadows, Colour Grading and Overall Visuals were Top Notch.

📲 - The Theme is really good. About Screens Bringing Kids Together, but rather doing the opposite, through artificial interaction instead of in person interaction, With on top of that, easily malicious comments, causing people distress, dividing friendships etc.

• The Multiple Lightyears Flying Set piece was good to watch.

Negatives -

📲 The Premise of Tech Vs Toys Idea had so Much Potential. But they Squandered it imo, it never lived up to the Concept.

📃 - Instead we get a Story about, Buzz, Woody and Jessie trying to make Bonnie a Friend, and Eliminating an iPad. This thing could of been so much bigger.

• The Promising Premise and the Complete Under delivery of that Premise is what Brings this film Down For me.

So overall, it's not a Bad Film, it's a Good Watch.

But it's very Clear That They Need to Stop Making These.

They Should Stop Whilst they are Still Ahead.

It's always fun to get back to the characters and world of Toy Story so I was happy to see another instalment on the way, and although it probably is the worst of the five Toy Story films it's still a fun time.

The story is a bit of a mixed bag. I thought overall it lacked a bit of focus, with multiple story threads that took a bit too long to all converge and come together. That being said, I thought the overall themes of technology and its impact on children, their friendships, and imaginations were well done and highly relevant. It carried emotional heft when it needed too, and provided light relief as well. I don't think it hit the emotional of comedy highs of any of the previous Toy Story films, but it was all well done nonetheless.

If i'm being nitpicky, I would have liked to have seen more from some of the original characters. The likes of Rex, Slinky, Ham etc were all relegated to walk on parts, and even Woody felt somewhat sidelined. This was very much a Jessie and Buzz movie, not that that's a bad thing necessarily, but I like the other characters so much it's a shame not to see more of them.

What can't be faulted with a Pixar movie is the design, sound, music and just the overall production quality. The whole thing feels and looks clean and imaginative and engaging.

Overall this is another fun and entertaining Toy Story movie. It doesn't quite hit the highs of any of its predecessors, and the story maybe feels a bit muddled at times, but the overall themes are fitting for these times and it has its emotional and funny moments.

Five movies (and 31 years) in, "Toy Story" remains a truly great franchise. While not quite reaching the highs of the first three movies, "Toy Story 5" is an improvement from the (still very good) fourth movie, and even more importantly, it feels truly relevant to today's kids and parents in fresh and creative ways.

This time around, the film centers on now-8-year-old Bonnie getting a "Lillypad" tablet. The "toys vs. Tech" plot is done in very clever and incisive ways that can be understood thoroughly and engagingly by both kids and adults. It's also a lot more nuanced than you'd think. Just like in the other "Toy Story" films, there's plenty of humor and emotionally endearing moments here. The charm still feels genuine and organic rather than forced, and always playing into the hands of a compelling and entertaining story. The screenplay is able to effectively develop and properly use all the characters, and kind of like in "Toy Story 2," Jessie is the most important character here for much of the story. The animation is beautifully done and improved over earlier films in the franchise, including a few scenes done incredibly well in a different style of animation from the rest of the movie.

The film manages to be consistently charming throughout, although the charm arguably isn't quite as unique as in the first three films, when the toys' relationship with Andy was uniquely special to their respective narratives. A sub-plot about her works very well, but what doesn't work quite as well comparatively is another sub-plot involving multiple Buzz Lightyears. But this is still an undoubtedly great film that narratively justifies its existence and relevance to today's children and families. Gladly recommended. 8.5/10

Note: I saw the film in "The Big Show," Alamo Drafthouse's premium large format screen. The picture and sound quality were very good, although the film does not really need to be seen a premium format.

I watched Mark Kermodes review prior to viewing this, and I was a little disappointed that he didn't enjoy it. Saying it was a thrown together mess essentially, with little sentiment.

However, I'm glad to report, my 6yr old and I enjoyed it. It's not without criticism. I did find the pace slow at times, the logistics of the narrative sometimes made you feel a little lost. Although, the later fell in to a positive, as it was a proper adventure with the toys, my generation, have grown up with. Now a parent, that is currently going through and seeing at first hand, the demise of imaginary play and toys, it was enlightening and disheartening hand in hand. My first born was eager to get the new toy car or figure from his favourite show. I'd even join in playing out stories with him. Onwards 10yrs, my daughter wants robux or a new game on her 'lily' pad.

I thought the other older toys did get pushed out a little throughout the film, moving towards introducing more new faces/voices aka the devices, but I suppose that was required for a fresh story and move away from what may have felt stale otherwise.

After just one viewing, I can safely say I'd watch it again, which is more than i did with TS4. Which is the one I did find that lacked any feeling that the previous instalments had.

Go watch it, enjoy it.

Electronics. This is a good spin on the original stories. Pads and phones have pretty much taken over the playtime. I saw this happen with my kids. Toys were out by the time they were 8. This is objectively what reality is in the 2020s. Increasingly all the toys will also be tech as well. Toy Story acknowledges that and tells a great story about childhood memories along with it.

Toy Story 5 focuses on Jessie. This is a smart move, as Buzz and Woody have had their story arc. The introduction on "devices" and their effect on children is a strong (and accurate message).

Ultimately it is amazing that a 30+ year old franchise has maintained this level if quality. There are laughs, emotional beats that land with heartfelt force, and moments for children and adults alike.

Parents: play with your children. Do not delegate your role to technology. It is a poor substitute and you will forever regret it.

This didn't seem forced at all. Thought the plot was a great addition to the Toy Story universe. Animation was revolutionary and new characters were pleasantly a good addition as well. Toy Story 4 was a disappointment, but this makes up a bit to it. I thought Jessie was the main character for this one. Her story got very touching at times.

Highly recommended!

Giving this an 8/10 rating

I don't have any of the Toy Story films on disc, but this one will be the one I will have, I watched this in Super screen, and use soaked it all in, so a second watch is on the cards next week. Clearly, there was much joy in the making of this film and the story must f had many, many versions, and it's probably, in my view, the very best of all of them. Plenty of Jessie in this film, and she rocks! You could say, just like 'The Amazing Digital Circus- The last Act' which was also a brilliant film, both deal with issues of the mind, tech, and loneliness.

A roller coaster of emotions and fun in this, a of course, a very important message, fun and play are important, not only to children, but adults as well, and toys are a big part of it, no matter your age, without fun and play, there can be no imagination and progress as a person. Work hard, play later, both must have fun. No tech needed for the both. In my top ten films of the year.

Synopsis:

Times are changing, and classic toys are finding themselves sidelined by the new obsession of 21st-century children: electronic devices. As Bonnie spends more and more time mesmerized by the tablet, despair takes over the room.

Review:

Toy Story 5 presents a new perspective on the relationship between toys and the digital age. Directed by Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the screenplay with McKenna Harris, the film brings to light an important reflection on the growing presence of electronic devices in children's lives. The film, set two years after the events of Toy Story 4, manages to capture the transition from moments of physical play to the dominance of digital devices, represented by the arrival of Lilypad, a new tablet that quickly becomes Bonnie's favorite. This change is portrayed sensitively, showing how the use of technology, although inevitable, can be positive when balanced with tangible experiences and social interactions.

Jessie's presence at the center of the narrative is one of the film's great highlights. She evolves from a supporting character into a true leader of the original toys, assuming the role of protagonist. Jessie inspires the other toys to find a place in the new dynamics of play, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the essence of physical interactions in an increasingly digital world.

The animation also subtly conveys messages about maturation and modern dilemmas faced by children today. Instead of focusing on a melodramatic farewell, Toy Story 5 proposes a more optimistic and reflective vision, encouraging parents not only to consider the risks of addiction to electronics, but also to explore how technology can serve as an ally when used consciously and in a balanced way. This theme resonates effectively throughout the plot, giving viewers a refreshing approach to parenting and education in the digital age.

The "Multi-Buzz Army," formed by the Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyears that came from a shipwrecked container, presents a parallel with The Army and Inception. Initially stuck in "demonstration mode," these toys seek to understand their existence in the digital age. Despite causing chaos and being seen as antagonists, they join the main plot under the command of Bonnie's original Buzz Lightyear, making the narrative even more interesting.

Watching the film in IMAX 3D provided a remarkable immersive experience. Each scene came to life vibrantly, highlighting the beauty and detailed animation that Pixar always delivers. The emotional facets of the interactions between the characters became even more impactful in this format. The combination of the story, the character development, and the visual experience offered by IMAX truly elevated the appreciation of the film, delivering a unique perspective that enriched the emotional journey proposed by Toy Story 5.

Toy Story 5 is a work that entertains, but also invites reflection. Pixar's ability to address contemporary issues in a sensitive and engaging way remains intact, solidifying the franchise as a landmark in stories about childhood and the value of toys in times of technology.

This movie will always have a special place in the hearts of millennials. It's filled with adventure, life lessons, humor, and the witty antics that made us fall in love with these characters in the first place.

No matter how old I get, the child in me will always celebrate Toy Story. Beyond the nostalgia, it's also a reminder that even in an age dominated by technology and screens, the era of toys isn't over yet. Some stories never grow old, and neither do the memories they carry.

The screenplay for Toy Story 5 is excellent because it brings a highly relevant and necessary discussion to the table: the balance between technology and childhood. The film maturely questions modern children's reliance on making friends online. It reflects on how, even though the digital world makes connecting easier and good people do exist online, nothing replaces the value and safety of cultivating real, in-person friendships. The script's greatest merit is that it doesn't demonize technology-acknowledging its importance-but instead teaches the need to balance its use.

Another major highlight that I thoroughly enjoyed was Jessie's character arc. The conclusion to her story regarding her trauma of abandonment was something I felt was deeply missing from previous movies, and it finally received the closure it deserved. Furthermore, choosing her as the protagonist was an excellent decision that gave the narrative a much faster and more dynamic pace.

Toy Story 5 brings Woody, Buzz, and the gang back for another heartfelt adventure, and while it captures some of the charm that made the franchise special, it also struggles to justify its own existence at times.

The emotional moments still work. The film understands these characters and knows how to tap into nostalgia without completely relying on it. The animation is gorgeous as expected, and there are a few genuinely touching scenes that remind you why this franchise became a classic in the first place.

However, the story is a more of a spin off which was much deserved for Jessie and all other are just side characters this time mainly. Soundtrack js beautiful as usual but we missed our old "You got a friend in me" in the movie. The film occasionally leans too heavily on familiar themes rather than exploring new ground. The humour lands, but not as consistently as before.

That said, spending time with these characters again is still enjoyable, and the heart of the series remains intact.

Warm, nostalgic, and entertaining, but it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights of the previous films.

Toy Story 5 legitimately had a compelling theme that was a great addition to the franchise. I loved that the story focused on Jessie, a character that didn't get sunshine since the 2nd movie. If this is the ending to the Toy Story saga then I'm glad it ended with a wonderful ending like this. I can tell that this movie was made for the love of story telling despite Disney's initial intention to commercialize nostalgia, instead, the writers of this movie gave it a way to center the ideas of the last stage of grief for one of its themes, acceptance. At the end of the movie, Jessie excepts her place as a toy and how she will bring Bonnie happiness for the time she has left before she grows up, because she knows that she will always have a place in Bonnie's heart just like Andy and Emily. That said, there are also bits and pieces of the film that made me audibly chuckle, it had a lot of charm. Normally I'm not all for introducing new characters to an already huge cast, but these new additions, I feel, had an interesting add on to the franchise and had a certain charm to them I can't exactly describe but was entertained by. Timing is everything in comedy and I deal they hit the nail on the head each time. Though I do wish that we'd spend a bit more time with the original cast, but with the limited time they had I'm glad to see them in character. When the movie was looking back at past scenes in the early movies, like Jessie's flashback, I feel like it added on to a way where you can see it as a nice memory to let go of instead of trying to refurbish it for money. I can tell a lot of heart in soul was put into the production and I admire it.