Toy Story 5 (2026)
When i heard about Toy Story 5, i was sure it was one of the dumbest decisions to be made by Pixar. I still like most of their output, it doesn't electrify one as much as it used to, due to people being desensitized to it over the years and Cars being … obnoxious at best; for me, Cars aside, even the worst of Pixar's movies will take care of tonights entertainment – even Soul.
So, when i read/listened to some of the reviews, i felt validated in my assumption.
And then i saw the movie myself.
Yes, Toy Story 5 has it's troubles, it's the fifth movie, during which course, there never was a passing of the baton to new characters, and therefore, this movie is «beholden» to service them; in retrospect, it worked this time, while setting up a new main duo.
We continue to follow the known group of toys and Bonnie, their Kid, who has a hard time forming friendships with other kids, due to playing with her toys instead of handling a smart device. Her parents try to rectify that, by getting her a tablet. Of course, the toys and device come into conflict, as is Bonnie, who is being torn by her love for toys and the expectation of her being on a smart device all the time. And there is a c-plot that has its moment … and let's leave it at that.
What made this movie click for me was, that it made me realize, that my kid likes putting on a Kamen Rider roleplay toy, and pretend to be a force for good more often, than it wants to sit in front of a screen; that it likes to meet people, and learn about them, and connect through them through play. And my kid can't be the only one doing that; so i allow myself a modicum of hope, all because of the fifth sequel of a franchise, i thought should have been shelved a sequel ago.
