Pixar returns with a new chapter that puts its classic toy crew up against a modern challenge: a kid-friendly tablet that rewrites what play looks like. The story centers on Bonnie, whose toys must reckon with shifting loyalties and a persuasive piece of tech called Lilypad. Jessie steps forward as the emotional and moral anchor, and the film mixes humor, heart and a timely debate about screens versus tactile play. Veteran voice talent and fresh additions support a playful yet thoughtful take on change and belonging.
Bonnie feels a little out of step with her peers, and her parents try to help by giving her Lilypad, a clever tablet designed for kids. The toys that live under her bed quickly discover a grim refrain from discarded playthings: “the age of toys is over.” That line lands like a warning, and it forces Woody, Buzz and friends to reassess their purpose in Bonnie’s life.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back in their familiar roles, but the story pivots so Jessie can lead the emotional charge. Joan Cusack brings real warmth and grit to Jessie, who suddenly must define what a toy means when screens promise convenience and companionship. The spotlight suits her; she’s gone from sidekick to the conscience of the toy community.
The script doesn’t lazily villainize technology, which is a nice surprise. Lilypad insists it’s looking out for Bonnie, and the film lets you see some logic in that perspective instead of defaulting to cartoon evil. That push-and-pull gives the story nuance and keeps the stakes interesting beyond a simple us-versus-them fight.
Fans will spot familiar faces: Rex, Hamm, Bo Peep and Forky return to lend their trademark banter and support. New additions like Smarty Pants, the potty-training toy, inject fresh jokes and bright character beats that help the movie breathe. The ensemble balance keeps things lively while Jessie carries the deeper emotional through-line.
On the creative side, the film benefits from experienced hands behind the scenes, with directors and writers who understand how to blend sentiment with smart comedy. Randy Newman returns to help with the score, and the end credits feature a new original number that adds a glossy finish. All of this keeps the film feeling like a polished Pixar outing even as it aims at contemporary concerns.
Some viewers will grumble that the franchise keeps going, and that’s a fair point for anyone who holds the early trilogy sacred. Still, this installment earns its keep by tackling a real cultural question: how do we make space for old-fashioned play in an increasingly digital world? The movie doesn’t hand you tidy answers, but it gives toys and kids room to wrestle with the trade-offs, which makes the ride satisfying.
The humor is kid-friendly but layered enough for adults, and emotional beats hit in the familiar way Pixar does best—by trusting characters we care about. The running time moves briskly, with tight sequences that mix action and reflection without overstaying their welcome. Casting choices and new character designs add variety and keep the pacing energetic.
“Toy Story 5” is rated PG for some thematic elements and rude humor. Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes. In theaters now.
