The beloved Toy Story franchise makes its return with the fifth instalment, but this latest chapter raises eyebrows as it grapples with a new villain that isn’t a toy but a tablet. While the film boasts the polished animation and humour fans expect, it struggles to evoke the emotional depth and originality that made its predecessors so memorable. Set to hit cinemas on 18 June in Australia and 19 June in the UK and the US, Toy Story 5 invites audiences into a world where technology threatens the essence of childhood play.
The Return of Familiar Faces
Toy Story 5 reunites us with our favourite characters: Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), and Jessie (Joan Cusack). The gang is back, but with a twist. Woody has retreated to a more feral existence, distancing himself from the human world and living out in the wild with Bo Peep (Annie Potts). Meanwhile, Buzz and Jessie remain tethered to their owner, Bonnie (Scarlett Spears), who faces her own struggles as the sole child in her vicinity still engaged with traditional toys.
The film introduces a new antagonist in the form of a sinister tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. This device, while initially seeming to connect children, ultimately becomes a tool of manipulation that draws Bonnie into the dark realms of online bullying and social isolation. The storyline raises important questions about the impact of technology on childhood, yet, in doing so, it seems to shy away from a more daring exploration of these themes.
A Mixed Bag of Themes
Despite the film’s high production values, the emotional stakes feel muted. The heart-wrenching theme of mortality, so vividly portrayed in earlier films, is notably absent. Instead, Toy Story 5 appears to tread water, relying on nostalgia rather than forging new emotional connections. The iconic moment from Toy Story 2, when Jessie sings “When She Loved Me,” is revisited but lacks the potency it once held. A new song by Taylor Swift attempts to rekindle these feelings but ultimately falls flat amid a convoluted plot.
Jessie’s journey to connect with a new friend, Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), who embodies the spirit of play, feels forced. The film’s attempts to balance the old with the new create a disjointed narrative that fails to land with the emotional impact one would hope for from a franchise of this stature.
Tech vs. Tradition
The film’s central conflict pits the allure of modern technology against the charm of traditional toys. While the narrative hints at the potential benefits of technology—represented by characters like Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), an outdated gadget with a surprisingly benevolent role—it seems hesitant to take a firm stance. Rather than presenting a clear message, Toy Story 5 meanders through its themes, leaving audiences questioning what the filmmakers aim to convey.
As the characters navigate a world increasingly dominated by screens, the film reflects a broader societal concern. The struggle between maintaining genuine human connections and succumbing to the seductive pull of technology resonates with parents and children alike, yet the execution lacks the depth needed to make a meaningful statement.
Why it Matters
Toy Story 5 serves as a mirror reflecting the challenges of a generation caught between the nostalgia of childhood and the complexities of modern life. While it attempts to tackle significant issues surrounding technology and play, the film ultimately falls short of the legacy established by its predecessors. As audiences flock to cinemas, they may find themselves yearning for the emotional resonance that once defined the franchise, questioning whether Toy Story has truly run its course or if there are still untold stories waiting to be discovered.