Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been thirty-one years since I sat stunned in the movie theater after being first introduced to Woody, Buzz, and the entire gang of Pixar toys. It was the year BRAVEHEART won five Oscars and TOY STORY, which marked a shift in filmmaking, won none. That was Pixar’s first feature film and since there was no Animated Feature Film category at the time, the Academy didn’t really know what to do with it. Fortunately, John Lasseter (since fired) and Andrew Stanton certainly knew what to do, as this is the fifth film of the franchise, and they’ve managed to create cinematic magic with each one.
We’ve established that I’m a raving fan for the franchise. Yet with each entry, I still go in concerned that this will be the first dud. I’m relieved and happy to report that the fifth film is funny, colorful, filled with great characters, and maintains the emotional charge we’ve come to expect. Pixar’s Andrew Stanton has been involved with each of the TS films and he’s joined this time by co-director and co-writer McKenna Harris (her first feature). They have managed to uphold tradition, while making the film entirely contemporary and introducing the beloved characters to a new generation (it’s been seven years since TOY STORY 4).
The familiar characters are back, which means most of the familiar voices are as well: Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Annie Potts as Bo Peep, Tony Hale as Forky, and Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboon. New to the scene are Scarlett Spears as Bonnie (she’s the third to voice the character), and of course, with the passing of Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, and Jim Varney, there have been new voices for Mr and Mrs Potato Head and Slinky Dog. And yes, Pixar’s good luck charm John Ratzenberger returns as Hamm. Among the others making their first Toy Story credits are the voices of global sensation Bad Bunny as ‘Pizza with sunglasses’, Greta Lee as Lilypad the smart tablet, Conan O’Brien as a ‘specialized’ device, and Mykal-Michelle Harris as Blaze.
This is definitely a female-centric story as Jessie takes the lead role. Woody and Buzz are featured prominently, but Jessie is the one focused on ensuring young Bonnie makes friends. The emphasis on technology is one all parents will recognize. Kids don’t “play” the way they once did, and the story emphasizes how that adds complexity to not just making friends, but also in defining what friendship actually is in this modern world. Smart devices, screens, and tablets have pushed toys to the background – or the garage, or even worse. It’s heartwarming, and sometimes nerve-wracking, watching Jessie and this crew of toys do what they can to help kids hold onto childhood as long as possible.
There are some subplots included regarding Buzz and Jessie, Jessie’s background with previous kids, and the ongoing challenges faced by parents. The animation is as stunning as you’d expect, and Randy Newman returned to compose the film’s score. By now it’s no secret that Taylor Swift, with a writing boost from Jack Antonoff, performs her new song, “I Knew it, I Knew You”, over the closing credits (and stay for the stingers).
DISNEY & PIXAR’S TOY STORY 5 releases exclusively in theaters June 19, 2026. Run time: 1hr 42min
Movie Reviews from the Dark 