Director: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, Tony Hale, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson
Rating: PG | Genre(s): Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Kids & Family | Run Time: 1hr 42min
WILL TECH AND TOYS FIND COMMON GROUND?
“What happens when childhood’s favourite toys are suddenly competing with technology for a child’s attention?”
Bonnie’s toys find themselves pushed to the sidelines after she receives Lillypad (Greta Lee), a child-friendly tech device. Jessie (Joan Cusack), convinced that imaginative play is one of the best ways for children to bond, takes matters into her own hands and sets out to find Bonnie some new friends.
Integrating tech into the world of toys was a clever way to reflect modern childhood, which is increasingly characterized by constant hours spent behind screens. By positioning technology as a rival to traditional, toys, the film captures the very real – and rapidly growing shift away from physical play towards digital pastimes. Toy story 5 explores the fear of becoming obsolete in a world that constantly evolving. In this sense, the film’s familiar toy-versus-toy premise, remains a culturally relevant commentary on a very real aspect of contemporary childhood.
Joan Cusack’s Jessie takes the reins in Toy Story 5, a change from her debut as a supporting character in previous instalments of the franchise to the primary lead and protagonist role. Since her debut in Toy Story 2, Jessie was known as the energetic, fearless, and emotionally complex cowgirl doll whose journey explored themes of abandonment, belonging, and the importance of friendship. In Toy Story 5, the spotlight finally turns towards Jessie, allowing audiences to experience her perspective, in a way that was not undertaken before. As the story rests on Jessie’s shoulders, her courage, determination, and compassion become the driving forces in Toy Story 5, demonstrating her growth from a team member to the central figure in the Toy Story Universe.
Eight-year old Bonnie engaging even with social media is out-of-touch given her very young age and inexperience with technology. While the introduction of child-friendly platforms on Lillypad is meant to reflect the increased exposure of minors to online spaces, the film does little to acknowledge the boundaries that would realistically surround an eight-year-old’s online activity. Overall, lack of attention given to parental supervision makes it one of the less convincing aspects of the film.
Another one of the film’s shortcoming’s is the minimal impact of Woody’s return. After what seemed like his departure from the franchise in Toy Story 4, his reappearance plays little significance apart from being Buzz’s sidekick in his quest to find Jessie. Woody’s return is not inherently a bad idea, but Toy Story 5 doesn’t give him enough purpose to justify it, making what should have been a momentous comeback feel more like an extended cameo from a character who has already completed his story.
Ultimately, Toy Story 5 succeeds in giving the franchise an appropriate new direction by exploring the growing influence of technology on childhood and the fear of becoming obsolete in an ever-changing world. Jessie’s change from supporting character to central protagonist is a welcome change that allows the film to explore a character who has long remained in the shadow of Woody and Buzz. However, questionable decisions surrounding Bonnie’s online independence and Woody’s unnecessary return prevent the film from reaching the standards set by its predecessors. Despite these shortcomings, Toy Story 5 remains an enjoyable addition to the franchise.
Final Verdict
Toy Story 5’s decision to pit toys against the convenience and attraction of digital entertainment gives the franchise a contemporary issue to explore. Jessie’s promotion to the central protagonist provides the series with a fresh perspective. On the other hand, Bonnie’s relatively unrestricted interaction with technology feels difficult to reconcile with her young age. Meanwhile, Woody’s return feels largely unnecessary, with the character contributing little beyond accompanying Buzz on his journey.
★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5)
