As an elder millennial, I don’t think I’ll ever stop showing up for a new Toy Story movie.
When the first film was released in 1995, I was just a little older than Andy. Now, decades later, I’m probably closer in age to Andy’s mom. It’s a unique perspective that many of us have grown into alongside these characters, and that’s part of what makes this franchise so special. These movies haven’t just entertained us. They’ve grown up with us.
That said, Toy Story 5 wasn’t my favorite installment.
While I appreciated the message about putting down screens and choosing real-life friendships, the execution left me wishing for something more.
What Worked
The heart of Toy Story has always been friendship, loyalty, and being there for your kid. Those themes are still present, and seeing Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang together again is simply fun. I especially loved that Jessie played a much larger role in this story. She’s always been one of my favorite characters, and it was nice to see her shine.
The film also tackles a very relevant topic. Kids today are growing up in a world filled with screens, and encouraging real-life connection is an important message. Pixar deserves credit for trying to address a challenge that so many families are navigating.
What Didn’t Work
Where the movie lost me was how it chose to tell that story.
Bonnie is struggling to make friends, so her parents buy her a device called the Lily Pad to help her connect. While I understand what the writers were trying to accomplish, I found myself distracted by the parenting decisions more than the message itself.
The device secretly texts Bonnie’s dad while pretending to be Bonnie, yet there seems to be very little parental oversight or monitoring. Instead of feeling like a thoughtful conversation about technology, it unintentionally made the adults seem disconnected from what was happening.
More importantly, the toys almost became Bonnie’s parents instead of simply being her toys.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Toy Story is because the toys never tried to replace the adults. Their adventures usually centered around protecting one another, rescuing a lost friend, or making sure they could be there whenever Andy needed them. Whether it was saving Buzz from Sid’s house or finding their way back home, the mission was always about serving their kid, not parenting them.
This story shifted that dynamic in a way that didn’t quite feel true to the characters.
I also struggled with Woody’s storyline.
Spoiler alert: I was disappointed to see him portrayed as older, heavier, and losing some of the confident spirit that has always defined him. After everything that happened in Toy Story 4, I hoped this movie would bring his story full circle and restore his deep desire to be there for his kid.
Instead, he leaves again.
For a character whose entire identity has always been built around loyalty, that ending simply didn’t feel like Woody.
What Business Owners Can Learn
One thing I always pay attention to is how stories stay true to their characters. The strongest brands are consistent. They evolve, but they don’t abandon the qualities that made people fall in love with them in the first place.
That’s what felt different here.
The message about choosing friendship over screens was a good one, but it required some characters to behave in ways that didn’t feel authentic to who they’ve always been. When a story asks us to believe something that doesn’t fit the characters we’ve known for decades, it becomes harder to emotionally connect.
That’s true for businesses, too. Your messaging can evolve as your business grows, but your core values and personality should remain recognizable to the people who have trusted you all along.
Should You See It?
Absolutely; especially if you’ve loved these characters for years. I smiled, laughed, and genuinely enjoyed spending time with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang again. There are some funny moments, heartfelt scenes, and plenty of nostalgia.
However, if I’m being honest, this felt more like a really good Disney+ special than a movie that demanded a theatrical release. For me, Toy Story 3 remains the perfect ending to this franchise. It wrapped up Andy’s story in a way that was emotional, satisfying, and incredibly difficult to top.
I’ll gladly watch Toy Story 5 again because these characters feel like old friends. I just don’t think this adventure reached the same heights as the ones that came before it.
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
A fun reunion with beloved characters, a timely message about choosing real-life friendships over screens, but a story that never quite captured the heart and character consistency that made the original films unforgettable.
☕ Weekend Content Review
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FAQ
Is Toy Story 5 worth seeing in theaters?
If you’re a longtime Toy Story fan, it’s worth seeing for the nostalgia and beloved characters. However, in my opinion, it feels more like a Disney+ release than a must-see theatrical event.
Is Toy Story 5 appropriate for kids?
Yes. The movie is family-friendly and explores themes of friendship, technology, and growing up.
Do you need to watch the previous Toy Story movies first?
While you can enjoy Toy Story 5 on its own, the emotional impact is much stronger if you’ve followed the series from the beginning.
What is the main message of Toy Story 5?
The film encourages children to prioritize real-life friendships over excessive screen time, though I felt the execution didn’t fully deliver on that important message.
