{"id":2290,"date":"2026-06-17T04:09:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T04:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=2290"},"modified":"2026-06-17T04:09:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T04:09:45","slug":"review-toy-story-5-plugs-right-in-to-pixars-extraordinary-franchise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=2290","title":{"rendered":"Review: ‘Toy Story 5’ plugs right in to Pixar’s extraordinary franchise"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In \u201cToy Story 5,\u201d Pixar adjusts its spotlight a wee bit away from its two venerable franchise heroes of more than 30 years \u2014 the ever-helpful cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) and over-eager astronaut Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) \u2014 in order to focus on the plight of plucky cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack), a beloved supporting character we met in \u201cToy Story 2.\u201d<\/p>\n

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What a smart and sweet move. Never fear, though, the object of Buzz\u2019s affection does receive a helping hand from the bumbling boys and other toys while she wrestles with a brewing existential crisis that\u2019s eroding her confidence and making her wonder if she matters anymore in this tech-dominated world. It\u2019s a door-opening premise that takes a shrewd, but not condemning, view of how technology is impacting our lives and presents the more old-fashion toys with a legit, of-the-moment conflict.<\/p>\n

That this hyper-relevant story line is told mostly from a refreshing female perspective illustrates a big reason why this series is still going strong after more than three decades. In keeping with the spirit of its predecessors (\u201cToy Story 3\u201d remains my favorite), this fourth sequel is animated with ingenuity and cleverness while exploring pertinent themes with a light touch. Director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris (who share screenwriting credits) hone in on the importance of having balance in life and realizing that we are all important to other people, no matter how useless we might feel on occasion. Pixar\u2019s pep talk couldn\u2019t arrive at a more opportune time, and, or course, can be counted on to make you tear up.<\/p>\n

The hard lesson to learn here, for both kids and adults, comes in balancing addictive screen time with finding connection offline with true friends. It takes shy, 8-year-old Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) awhile to gain that understanding since she becomes so plugged into her always-on Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee) \u2014 a gift from her worried parents. Whenever \u201cToy Story 5\u201d directs its attention on Bonnie, Jessie, her horse Bullseye or a well-adjusted, play-focused potential new friend for Bonnie named Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), a guaranteed lump in the throat results.<\/p>\n