I think nostalgia might have won me over here because this film broke my heart, and I loved every single second of it. As someone who has a lot of emotional attachment to Toy Story, with core childhood memories tied to this franchise, this film felt like it elevated everything. At 26 years old, seeing these characters and this world age alongside me is truly something beautiful.
Even though this film isn’t perfect, and there are parts of the story that seemed a little irrelevant or slow, it all paid off by the end. The evolution of the characters, especially Jessie, was truly spectacular. Seeing more of her past leading up to one specific scene not only made me cry in the cinema, but also on the drive home just thinking about it. This didn’t feel like a cash grab; it felt like a story we deserved, and my only thought is that this should have been our Toy Story 4.
The incorporation of technology throughout the film was genius. It not only showed that children can become addicted to technology, but adults as well. The film reminds us that we need to spend less time on screens and more time with each other. I’m also glad they didn’t completely villainise technology, instead making it part of both the toys and the solution, because I think there’s an important lesson to be learned from that.
Toy Story 5 was a needed sequel, offering great progression for both Bonnie and the toys, particularly Buzz and Jessie. Even though it isn’t perfect and, as a whole, isn’t better than the original trilogy, one specific scene might be the best scene in the entire Toy Story franchise. That’s why I’ll remember this beautiful film.
Review by Eccy
Toy Story 5 was one of my most anticipated films of the year and for good reason, this franchise is undefeated. One of my main concerns when this was first announced was “is this needed?” And after watching, I can tell you that it certainly is. I loved every second and spent the entire runtime with tears rolling down my face.
The story focuses on Jessie, which may seem like a brave decision but what a fantastic one it was. The love Jessie has for Bonnie oozes from the screen and into your soul. Her reluctance for change is so incredibly relatable and the way tech and the world kids grow up in today, is done beautifully.
The animation styles are stunning. Visually, this well could be the best Pixar’s looked for many a year and left me in awe, especially during the imagination sequences and at Emily’s ranch.
Personally, I would have liked to have seen more Woody as it does feel strange to divert away from him. However, it’s poetic that the translation is to the favourite toy of the child at the centre of the film, just like the original.
This franchise means more to me than any other. My Dad was a manager at the Disney store when I was born and my buzz lightyear is older than me. I lost my Grandad this week, and it’s been one of the hardest of my life, but when I was watching this film and the beautiful messaging, I was smiling, crying and remembering all of the joy he brought to my life. There is a line from Jessie that really hits home and reminds you how lucky we are to be loved, no matter how little or long for.
I can’t wait to have kids and to introduce them to Toy Story. I hope I make you proud Grandad.
Review by Joe
Every time one of the main three characters appeared, I was immediately transported back to being a kid again. Call it nostalgia. Call it bias. I don’t care. Seeing these characters back together made me ridiculously happy.
That being said, I did have one major issue. For much of the film, I felt underwhelmed. The story spends a lot of time building emotional baggage and setting up its bigger themes, but it doesn’t always land with the impact Pixar is aiming for. At times it feels like it’s working harder than it needs to.
But then the final act happens And everything clicks. It’s this incredible release of all the emotional weight the film has been carrying. A return to the heart of what made Toy Story special in the first place.
The friendship. The love. The sense of growing up and letting go. And suddenly all that emotional setup pays off with a conclusion that genuinely moved me.
Toy Story 5 isn’t perfect. But when it finally finds its footing, it reminds you exactly why this franchise means so much to so many people
Review by Epicz