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When we sat down to watch Toy Story 5, we honestly weren’t expecting much. After so many sequels, it would’ve been easy for Pixar to run out of ideas. But even though the movie didn’t completely blow me away, we still walked out of the cinema having a really good time.
Once again, Pixar proves why it’s one of the best animation studios in the world. The animation is absolutely stunning, with every scene packed full of detail and colour. You can really tell there’s years of experience behind every frame. Even when the story feels a bit uneven at times, it still looks incredible from start to finish.
A Story About the Digital World
This time around, Toy Story 5 tackles something very modern — kids growing up in a world dominated by technology. Instead of a classic villain, the film focuses on a broader idea: what happens when toys (and imagination) are pushed aside as children are glued to screens.
It’s actually a pretty clever idea, and it feels surprisingly relevant. The movie shows how playtime is changing, and how toys like Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are trying to find their place in this new world.
Jessie Steps Into the Spotlight
One of the biggest changes in this film is that Jessie finally gets a much bigger role. Woody and Buzz are still around, but this really feels like Jessie’s story. Some fans might miss seeing Woody take charge, but it makes sense — his journey already feels complete.
Jessie is a great choice to lead the film. She’s energetic, brave, and full of heart, and it’s nice to see her finally given the spotlight she deserves. There are also some fun new toy characters introduced, including a tablet-like character that represents modern technology.
Funny, Emotional… but Not Perfect
The movie has plenty of funny moments, some exciting adventure scenes, and a few emotional beats that actually work really well. However, the story does feel a bit uneven at times, and some parts feel like they move too quickly or don’t quite land as strongly as they should.
It’s also a little more straightforward compared to earlier Toy Story films. While kids will definitely enjoy it, older fans might notice that some of the clever layered jokes from previous movies aren’t as strong this time around.
A Message for Kids and Parents
Interestingly, Toy Story 5 feels like it’s aimed just as much at parents as it is at kids. It reflects on how technology is changing childhood, and it might even make adults think about how much screen time kids really get these days.
The message isn’t about blaming technology itself, but more about how it’s used — and how important imagination and play still are.
Final Verdict
Toy Story 5 isn’t the strongest film in the franchise, but it’s definitely far from a disappointment. It’s fun, colourful, and heartfelt, with a strong message at its core. Jessie shines as the lead, the animation is top-tier, and the world of Toy Story still feels full of life.
It might not reach the magic of the original trilogy, but it still proves one thing clearly — even the “weaker” Toy Story movie is still a really enjoyable adventure.
