Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5 once again proves that this franchise knows how to please its audience, offering the same combination of humor, wit, and genuine emotion that keeps it satiated. I admit I enjoyed this fifth installment to a large degree, but like any toy from decades ago, it’s showing signs of wear and tear.

The dominant character this time around is Jessie (Joan Cusack), who has taken over as the new sheriff of the toys after Woody joins Bo Peep. Jessie and the gang still have Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) as their owner, but things change once Bonnie is introduced to the world of technology via a tablet named Lilypad Lily (Greta Lee) who begins to monopolize her time.

Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear, now serving as the toys’ second-in-command. He harbors romantic feelings for Jessie but struggles to tell her, largely because the story keeps delaying the moment. Meanwhile, Woody (Tom Hanks) returns to help the toys and work toward winning back Bonnie’s affection.

The movie has one too many plot threads, including new characters who help Jessie on her quest. They include a potty-training machine named Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), whose only purpose, besides helping Jessie, is, you guessed it, bathroom humor with plenty of puns.

Another plot thread involves a shipment of Buzz Lightyear action figures that join the adventure, but it’s unnecessary, as it just adds these clones for an arbitrary action sequence that goes nowhere in the climax.

Toy Story 5 is not a bad movie, but it is proving that even an impeccable franchise like this one is capable of fatigue.

There are some moments that provide commentary on the pitfalls of allowing technology and social media to dominate kids’ attention spans 24/7, but I think it’s one-sided as it largely shows technology as a hindrance and a distraction rather than a potential asset. Some crucial scenes in the finale provide a spin that is both obvious and refreshing. Many kids may find its message conflicting.

Despite some reservations, and while I wholly believe this is the least impressive of the series, it does prove to have enough charm, cleverness, and imagination to hold it together. Hanks, Allen, Cusack, and the rest of the cast slip effortlessly back into their roles, bringing the same warmth, charm, and affection that have made these characters so beloved for generations.

Some scenes include callbacks to earlier installments, but they’re woven naturally into the story and never feel like forced nostalgia or fan service.

Toy Story 5 is not on the level of some of the franchise’s best entries, but it is serviceable entertainment for kids and adults. If there is going to be a Toy Story 6, maybe the best thing to do is examine what made the franchise take off, from infinity and beyond, in the first place.

Grade: B+

(Rated PG for some thematic elements and rude humor.)

Reviewer’s Note: I saw this movie at Glynn Place Cinemas in Brunswick.