★★★★★
Reach for the sky…or a screen.
In Toy Story 5, the rise of technology can only mean one thing…extinction for toys and relegation to a dreaded place: long-term storage. Writer-directors Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, alongside the team at Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures, have put together an exceedingly timely tale about the invasion of screens to the sacred art of play. In its simplest form, it’s toys versus tech.
It’s a familiar battle for parents all around the globe. The infinite struggle of the real versus the fantastical, mind-numbing allure of the screen. We can all relate to the dystopian image of kids sitting around in the dark, faces illuminated by screens, together, but alone.
Australia has at least tried to combat the darker side of devices, blocking social media for kids under 16. Yet young people are quick to outmanoeuvre adults and find clever ways around the blocks.
The Toy Story world has been a beloved franchise since its inception in 1995, over three decades ago. Much of the original cast remains, with fan favourite Tom Hanks still voicing the toy cowboy Woody.
The last film in the universe, Toy Story 4, earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature upon its release in 2019. Interestingly, Quentin Tarantino went on record saying the third instalment was the “perfect ending” to the trilogy and refused to watch any of the subsequent films. But unlike Tarantino, global audiences still have a hunger for the franchise.
The story kicks off when a new device enters eight-year-old Bonnie’s home, disrupting the delicate balance of play for her toys. Without ever becoming too scary or dropping pace, the film finds room to explore the challenges of growing up in a digital age. Bonnie and the toys navigate making new friends, being brave and cyberbullying in unregulated group chats.
Pixar Animation Studios has again raised the bar with extraordinary animation that pushes the studio’s already formidable standards even further. Lighting is used to remarkable effect throughout, creating atmosphere and emotional depth, while the carefully considered colour palette enhances the storytelling and subtly reinforces the themes of each scene.
Performance-wise, the cast is exceptional. Joan Cusack shines as Jessie, who serves as both the emotional core and driving force of the film. Alongside her loyal companion Bullseye, Jessie propels much of the action while carrying the story’s emotional weight.
Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear keeps the story grounded and explores some of the more G-rated romantic themes in the piece, serving as a nice contrast to Jessie.
As Woody, Tom Hanks delivers a more featured ensemble role this time, evoking nostalgia for long-time fans. Nonetheless, he is still both lovable and memorable.
Greta Lee is delightful as newcomer villain, Lilypad. Avoiding the trap of turning the character into a one-note villain, Lee imbues her with warmth, conviction and just enough menace. Lilypad genuinely believes she’s helping Bonnie, and it’s that unwavering certainty that makes her such an effective antagonist.
Conan O’Brien nearly walks away with the entire film as Smarty Pants. Consistently hilarious, O’Brien delivers a stream of laugh-out-loud moments and proves a perfect fit for the Toy Story universe. Every appearance is a welcome one.
Toy Story 5 serves as a poignant reminder to everyone to put down their screens and enjoy those in-person moments of joy and connection.
Ironically, Disney-Pixar has stepped up its merch output in conjunction with the film, releasing special edition Lilypad iPad cases for purchase. The film will also eventually be made available to stream on Disney+, encouraging more kids to stay glued to their screens.
While the toys versus tech argument is a noble message, it’s somewhat negated by its digital delivery. Hopefully, parents accompanying their kids will opt out of the pro-screen promotional materials.
Toy Story 5 is at its best when it champions the timeless magic of make-believe over the latest shiny distraction. And stick around for the end credits; there’s a cute segment featuring the beloved characters and a brand-new original song, I Knew It, I Knew You by Taylor Swift, which was written especially for the film and is inspired by the Jessie character.
TOY STORY 5 releases exclusively in Australian cinemas on Thursday 18 June.
Find tickets here.
Website: https://www.pixar.com/toy-story-5
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/disneyaunz/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: Toy Story 5
Director: Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee
Country of Origin: USA
Duration: 102 mins
Rating: G
Consumer Advice: Very mild bullying themes and violence
