Toy Story 5 Review: Pixar's Latest Sequel Tackles Digital Age While Maintaining Franchise Quality

In his review of "Toy Story 5," AP Film Writer Jake Coyle examines the latest installment in Pixar's long-running franchise, which grapples with the central cultural tension of childhood in the digital age. The film, directed and co-written by Andrew Stanton, continues the evolution of the "Toy Story" saga beyond what many considered a perfect endpoint with "Toy Story 3." While the original trilogy remains beloved for its intimate scope and emotional resonance, subsequent sequels have expanded the narrative in ways that divide critics and audiences.

The film's core conflict centers on the arrival of a tablet device called Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee) in the home of 8-year-old Bonnie, whose parents purchase the gadget out of concern that their daughter is being left out socially. This introduces an existential crisis for the toy characters, who find themselves obsolete in an age of screens. The dinosaur Rex's declaration—"Extinction! Not again!"—captures the toys' desperation as Bonnie becomes absorbed in her device, neglecting traditional play. The film features Joan Cusack's Jessie the cowgirl in a more prominent role, alongside returning voice talent including Tom Hanks as Woody and Annie Potts as Bo Peep.

Coyle acknowledges that while "Toy Story 5" ranks below the original trilogy in quality, it represents thoughtful filmmaking grounded in a genuine contemporary concern. The "toys versus tech" premise gives the sequel a raison d'être that many modern sequels lack—a timely exploration of how screens have fundamentally altered childhood experiences. The film draws thematic parallels to other recent animated features addressing screen addiction, such as "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" and "Ron's Gone Wrong." However, the stakes feel particularly resonant in a "Toy Story" film, given Pixar's pioneering role in digital animation and the franchise's unique ability to capture the texture of childhood.

Despite creative misgivings about continuing the franchise beyond its natural conclusion, Coyle finds unexpected merit in the execution. The film benefits from Pixar's consistent quality and thoughtfulness, embodied in performances like Tony Hale's quirky fork character and comedic turns from Key and Peele as plushies. While acknowledging the film as something of a "crime against humanity" in franchise continuation terms, the critic ultimately concedes that "Toy Story 5" achieves a balance between commercial storytelling and genuine artistic consideration. The film likely ranks as the fifth-best entry in the series—a respectable position given the high bar set by earlier installments.