“Toy Story 5” centers on the timely theme of ‘Toy meets Tech.’ Our J.P. gives his take on the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise, which features the return of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as the iconic voices of Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Toy Story 5
Pixar / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Directed by Andrew Stanton
- Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Kenna Harris
- Story by Andrew Stanton
- Produced by Lindsey Collins, Jessica Choi
- Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Conan O’Brien, Scarlett Spears, Greta Lee, Shelby Rabara, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Craig Robinson
Studio Synopsis:
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same? “Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins and features an original score by Oscar® winner Randy Newman, who returns to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature.
J.P.’s Take:
Pixar’s success can be attributed to its keen focus on detail and its ability to weave in stories that are relevant and based on current events. We all know that in this day and age, the new generation of tech-savvy youngsters are taking over the world. And the trend is social media, as they affix their eyes to brightly lit OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens. In “Toy Story 5,” we discover that these gadgets can either transform into your kid’s favorite toy or become a source of overwhelming sensory and emotional challenges.
“Toy Story 5” picks up just after “Toy Story 4,” where the new chapter dives into a multi-generational exploration of the “toys” interactions and adventures with each child they’ve encountered. A painfully shy little girl by the name of Bonnie (voiced by Scarlett Spears) has become the heir of those “toys,” with which she plays, without fail, while the kids next door have newfangled kids’ tablets. And although Bonnie longs to invite them over to play with her, she also fears that those kids would consider her uncool and childish for still playing with old toys.
In an era where young people are constantly surrounded by cutting-edge technology and the pressure to maintain a certain image on social media is ever-present, we can connect with Bonnie and the anxiety she’s riddled with as she longs to fit in, yet she understands her deepest fears quite well. This is evident in her interactions with her toys, where her imagination takes flight as she creates a soap-opera-like world for them. When she reluctantly decides to take on the new toy, the Lilypad, which does nearly everything you want, and relinquishes her old playthings, her world is flipped upside down. The journey that unfolds is filled with giddy childlike escapades that not only make viewers giggle heartily but also present a case where young Bonnie has to grapple with the issues of identity and validation while trying to balance the perceptions of her parents and the kids whom she wants to impress.
This particular tale is likely to resonate deeply with anyone with a young family, especially as they navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world. This dynamic not only influences their relationships with their peers but also impacts their mental health, as the quest for perfection in a virtual world can be exhausting. But this adventure isn’t without its fun-loving, spirited quips and characters.
The animation is, of course, top-notch and pops with color and nearly true-to-life environments. As it came to a close, you got this sense of loyalty, as Bonnie and her toys have bonded and she’s even made a new friend. And amid all the twists and turns as they encounter a series of challenges, it became a test of their courage and strength. The camaraderie among the toys, parents, and peers shone through as they faced obstacles, showcasing their unique personalities and making this excursion a celebration of friendship.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to effortlessly lead the pack as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with Allen doubling down on the comedy by voicing a glitching horde of fifty “Multi-Buzz” units stuck in demo mode. They are joined by returning favorites like Joan Cusack’s spirited Jessie, Annie Potts’s steadfast Bo Peep, and standout legacy voices including Keanu Reeves (Duke Caboom), Kristen Schaal (Trixie), and Tony Hale (Forky). Some of the new voices are Greta Lee as Lily, Conan O’Brien voicing Smarty Pants, and Ernie Hudson stepping in as Combat Carl. Meanwhile, young Spears breathes life into Bonnie as she grapples with childhood milestones alongside new playmates voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris and Shelby Rabara. The production also seamlessly handles key cast transitions, with John Hopkins, Jeff Bergman, and Anna Vocino stepping into the iconic roles of Mr. Pricklepants, Mr. Potato Head, and Mrs. Potato Head.
No doubt the “Toy Story” franchise will go down as Pixar’s greatest achievements in children’s parables and adventures. “Toy Story 5” cherishes companionship, grapples with nostalgia, and explores the legacy left by the first kid who had the toys, Andy. The generational twists added layers of enduring childhood magic, where the digital space can’t compare, all while keeping the heartwarming essence that fans have come to love since the first “Toy Story.” This is the reason why they’re so beloved and why I enjoy them as well.
Official Site: Toy Story 5
