Toy Story 5 (2026)
Continuing popular franchises ad infinitum historically leads to bad or mediocre entries over time, but Pixar's Toy Story franchise continues to buck that trend. After coming to what seemed like a perfect ending to the series in the magnificent Toy Story 3, the filmmakers have gone back to the well two more times. While neither Toy Story 4 or Toy Story 5 reach the heights of the second and third installments, they are still worthwhile entertainments for viewers of all ages.
At the start of the newest effort, the toys are still beloved by young Bonnie, but Bonnie feels lonely and friendless because she still plays with toys when seemingly all of the other kids her age are playing with devices. When her parents relent and get her a Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), the toys fear they will soon be forgotten or discarded. So, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and Jessie (Joan Cusack) team up to try to recapture Bonnie's love and attention.
Toy Story 5 features a good balancing act when dealing with tech. The downsides of devices are certainly clearly represented here, but the film also makes the point that technology can be used for good or bad depending on what people are putting in it. Lilypad, while an antagonist in the first two-thirds of the film, always does what she thinks is best for Bonnie—even though, sometimes, she is incorrect.
Of course, there are also laughs to be had. Conan O'Brien is a welcomed addition to the cast voicing an outdated potty-training device. Also, the venerable trio of Woody, Buzz, and Jessie remain likable, funny heroes.
Even though every announcement of
a new Toy Story film makes this critic think "They're pushing their
luck," Pixar is still batting 1.000 with this series.
