TOY STORY 5 Review

Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they’re introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.

If this is the level of quality Pixar plans to maintain for future Toy Story films, then they should absolutely keep making them. Toy Story 4 was a great film, but it represented a slight step down from the storytelling brilliance of the first three movies, which are widely regarded as one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Toy Story 5 changes that. It comes remarkably close to recapturing the magic of the original trilogy. Pixar and Disney should be proud, and they have every reason to keep this franchise thriving for as long as possible.

The performances from the main cast remain just as strong as they have been throughout the series. Even though Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, has limited screen time, he still manages to steal every scene he is in. Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, is as dependable as ever, but this time the spotlight belongs to Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack. She carries the film effortlessly and proves she is more than capable of leading the franchise without it ever feeling like something is missing.

**(L-R): Bullseye and Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) in Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 5. Photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.**

As always, Toy Story appeals to audiences of every age, from young children to adults, and in many ways it speaks even more directly to grown ups. If you are a parent, the film encourages you to become even more involved in your child’s life. If you are not a parent, it highlights the beauty of building a family and creating meaningful relationships. Its themes are heartfelt, relatable, and surprisingly relevant.

The central conflict focuses on children becoming increasingly attached to tablets, phones, and other electronics instead of traditional toys. It is one of the most timely ideas the franchise has explored because it reflects the reality of modern families. Every generation grows up differently, forcing children, parents, and society to adapt to an ever changing world. The writers deserve tremendous credit for tackling this issue in a thoughtful and emotionally engaging way, creating meaningful lessons for audiences of all ages.

If the film has one noticeable weakness, it is the limited use of several beloved characters. There are enough familiar faces to satisfy longtime fans, but if you have followed the franchise since its debut in 1995, you may be disappointed that some fan favorites either never appear or are reduced to little more than brief cameos or passing references. If you are expecting every major character from previous films to return in a meaningful way, you may leave the theater wanting more.

**(L-R): Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) in Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 5. Photo courtesy of Disney/Pixar. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.**

Like every Toy Story film, this sequel delivers plenty of laughs while taking audiences on another heartfelt adventure. The stakes remain high throughout, making it easy to root for every character until the very end. Longtime fans will especially appreciate a payoff connected to Buzz Lightyear that dates back to the original film, as well as a post credits scene that serves as a rewarding surprise.

Is Toy Story 5 as great as the original trilogy? No. However, I do believe it surpasses Toy Story 4. Had the film reached the same emotional heights as Toy Story 3, it could have stood alongside the first three classics. Even so, this is a worthy sequel that honors the legacy of the franchise and deserves to be celebrated by both longtime fans and everyone involved in bringing it to life.

My Rating : 9/10