Franchises that reach a fifth installment often feel tired, and Toy Story 5 is no exception. While still enjoyable by animated-movie standards, it leans heavily on familiar tropes and nostalgia rather than breaking new ground.
A Tale of Two Plots
The film juggles multiple storylines that fall into two camps, both seen before in the series. Camp A involves a toy separated from the group, while Camp B deals with existential threats from new toys or a changing owner. This time, Bonnie, now 8 years old, considers giving up toys to be cool. Her parents give her Lilypad, a kiddie tablet voiced by Greta Lee, which Jessie and others see as a threat.
Jessie's Journey
Jessie’s attempts to solve the problem lead to her accidental transport miles away. She must rely on three Web 1.0-era electronic toys: Snappy the camera, Atlas the GPS, and Smarty Pants, a potty-training gadget voiced by Conan O’Brien. Their humor is a highlight, blending toilet jokes with clever creativity.
Buzz's Subplot
Meanwhile, a shipping container of new Buzz Lightyears washes ashore on a deserted island. This subplot, reminiscent of WALL-E and Cast Away, allows composer Randy Newman to experiment but is ultimately sidelined for the main story.
Toy Story 5 is good but safe, relying on cameos and catchphrases. It offers laughs and heart, but fans hoping for innovation may feel they’ve seen it before.
