Toy Story 5: A Look at the Latest Adventure

Disney-Pixar’s beloved characters, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the whole gang return in Toy Story 5. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, and Conan O’Brien star in this new chapter, which hits theaters on June 19.

The plot revolves around Bonnie, an eight-year-old who is one of the few kids in her neighborhood still interested in playing with toys rather than devices. To help her make friends, her parents give her a kid-friendly tablet, Lilypad, which draws clear inspiration from the LeapFrog brand.

This change jolts Bonnie’s toys, who learn from others that the traditional toy age is fading. Joan Cusack’s character, cowgirl Jessie, takes the lead role this time, opposing Lilypad—voiced by Greta Lee—in a new struggle. The film explores the impact of technology on traditional playtime.

Despite previous skepticism about continuing the Toy Story franchise, this movie offers a poignant narrative. It does not vilify technology entirely; Lilypad’s character believes it acts in Bonnie’s best interests.

Cusack’s performance as Jessie is compelling, contributing emotional depth through voice alone. The focus on Jessie’s role showcases her importance in the modern toy world, reminding audiences of her debut in 1999’s Toy Story 2.

Returning characters like Rex, Hamm, Bo Peep, and Forky join new ones such as Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy voiced by Conan O’Brien. Stars like Keanu Reeves, Bonnie Hunt, Craig Robinson, and Taylor Swift also add value to the production.

The film is directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, with Oscar-winner Randy Newman returning for the music score. Taylor Swift contributes an original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” featured in the end credits.

While it may not match the original trilogy, Toy Story 5 offers a thoughtful take on modern challenges and entertains with Pixar’s signature quality. It is rated PG for thematic elements and humor, running for 1 hour and 42 minutes.

The Verdict: Toy Story 5 outshines its predecessor, leveraging current technology debates effectively, embodying the entertainment excellence Pixar fans expect.