One Movie Later: Toy Story 5 is Surprisingly Good
by James Coulter
For over 30 years, Toy Story has remained Pixar’s most enduring franchise. What began as a groundbreaking film about talking toys grew into a trilogy that seemed to conclude perfectly, followed by a fourth entry that, while not terrible, felt more like an unnecessary epilogue than a true continuation. So, when Disney announced Toy Story 5, many fans (myself included) questioned whether the series had anything left to say.
So, how is Toy Story 5? Did the franchise earn a fifth installment? Or should it have ended with three movies? With four not counting? And five being right out?
With Woody gone, Jessie and Buzz now lead Bonnie’s toys. Trouble arrives when Bonnie receives Lilypad, a tablet that quickly becomes her new favorite “toy.” The other toys fear they’ll be abandoned, echoing concerns voiced by neighborhood toys who’ve already been tossed aside in favor of screens. Will Jessie succeed in separating Bonnie from the screen? Or are she and the toys doomed to the donation bin?
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t looking forward to Toy Story 5. I wasn’t even planning to watch it. Not only did I think the movies should have ended with the third one, but I’m rather cynical about Disney’s current glut of sequels and remakes—and I don’t feel like enabling a bad habit.
But to my surprise, Toy Story 5 is not only better than expected, it’s better than Toy Story 4, and a genuinely enjoyable addition to the series.
The premise didn’t help my initial cynicism. Early marketing leaned heavily on a “toys versus tech” conflict, suggesting a cranky, old‑man‑yells‑at‑clouds story about kids abandoning toys for screens. It looked like a retread of the first film’s dynamic: new toy threatens old toy, only with Jessie and a child‑friendly tablet named Lilypad standing in for Woody and Buzz.
This setup could have been shallow, but the film treats the premise as a springboard rather than the central conflict. Technology isn’t portrayed as evil; in fact, several devices become sympathetic characters, and Jessie’s initial distrust of tech grows into something more nuanced. Lilypad herself is not a villain. She’s just misguided, convinced she’s helping Bonnie by keeping her entertained with games and apps. Her arc mirrors Buzz’s from the original film: an antagonist who grows once she realizes her worldview is flawed.
The film’s strongest element is Jessie’s character development. For years, her backstory—being abandoned by her original owner, Emily—has lingered in the background without full exploration. Here, it becomes central. Jessie’s new role as the new “sheriff” of Bonnie’s toys forces her to confront old wounds and insecurities, especially as Lilypad unintentionally threatens her sense of worth.
A late‑movie revelation reframes Jessie’s trauma in a way that feels earned rather than saccharine, giving her the emotional growth she’s long deserved. With Woody largely out of the picture, Jessie finally steps into the spotlight, and the film is better for it.
Buzz and Woody still appear, though they’re no longer the emotional core. Unlike Toy Story 4, which sidelined nearly every character in favor of Woody’s arc, this film gives Buzz and Woody meaningful roles without overshadowing Jessie. Their subplot complements the main story rather than competing with it.
There’s also a third subplot involving a group of Buzz Lightyear dolls stranded on a deserted island, convinced they must reach Star Command. It’s admittedly superfluous, but it’s entertaining and ties into the larger narrative just enough to justify its inclusion.
Did Toy Story 5 need to exist? Probably not. The first three films formed a near‑perfect trilogy, and the fourth already stretched the franchise’s thematic boundaries. And yes, Disney’s current obsession with sequels and remakes remains frustrating, especially when original films like Hoppers and Hexed struggle for attention.
But despite my skepticism (and my initial plan to skip this movie entirely) it won me over. It’s not on the level of the original trilogy, but it’s heartfelt, funny, and far more thoughtful than its marketing suggested. It proves the franchise still has creative potential even three decades later.
And with Toy Story 6 already announced, who knows? If Pixar continues down this more character‑driven path, the next installment might surprise us too.
