As Willie Nelson sang, “Miracles appear in the strangest of places.” Once any respected film series gets beyond a part three, the magic is usually lost. Directors Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris are now living, breathing, miracle workers. Toy Story 5 is as funny, sweet, and touching as any of the Toy Story adventures.
Reviews will likely (and deservedly) echo the assessments of each previous entry, as Toy Story 5 is a stunning visual experience complimented by a profound message that resonates with all ages. Written by the directors, the fifth movie in the continuing story of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their makeshift family of toys projects more than a few beautiful messages; never lose your imagination, devices shouldn’t be used as a babysitter, and don’t be in a hurry to grow up. In a series where the beating heart has always been a focus on friendship, change, and purpose, part 5 keeps the emotions strong.
Pixar has already gifted audiences with four delightful movies where Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear led the story. This time, everyone’s favorite cowgirl, Jessie, is the main protagonist, as the toys face their biggest threat to date; technology!
Greta Lee voices Lilypad, a tablet (with a frog design, hence the name) that will steal the attention of Jessie’s “child” Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) and a character that will come to represent the good and dangers of home devices.
The screenplay concerns a real-life fear that most modern parents deal with every day. Imaginative playtime is being muted by the presence of tablets and iphones. Instead of playing outside or getting on the floor with all of your toys for hours of fun, too many children become hypnotized by their magic machines. Rather than feeding their imagination, the light of the screen sucks them into submission. The entire world is in their hands. Why look up?
As with the previous films, Toy Story 5 doesn’t simplify its themes, nor does it talk down to its audience. As Jessie and Bullseye set off on an unexpected adventure to get home (a common thread in the series ), the screenplay handles the humor and emotions with equal care and kindness.
Along with Lee’s Lilypad, more new characters join the Toy Story family. Shelby Rabara is Snappy, an old fashioned purple toy camera. Her cohorts are Atlas, a hippo-shaped toy that serves as an electronic map and Smarty Pants, an electronic potty training device.
Voiced by Conan O’Brien, Smarty Pants is the source of the film’s funniest bits. As the toy was designed to celebrate a child successfully going number one and/or two, Smarty cannot count above those numbers. The character’s frustration at becoming obsolete combined with his lack of patience and good heart, should make Smarty Pants an instant fan favorite. The clever and truly hilarious performance from Conan O’Brien is another example of the series’ long history of perfect casting.
While this is certainly Jessie’s tale, all of the favorite characters are featured, although most are relegated to one or two lines and have no major place in the story..
Mr. Potato Head (Jeff Bergman replacing the late Don Rickles), Bo Peep (Annie Potts), Slinky Dog (Blake Clark), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Dolly (Bonnie Hunt), Hamm (Pixar mainstay John Ratzenberger) and more, return for the fun. Recent additions from Toy Story 4, Forky (Tony Hale), Trixie (Kristen Schall), and Duke Kaboom (Keanu Reeves), are back as well.
Of course Woody and Buzz are present, but each one has less to do than ever before. Buzz gets some good moments and is involved in a fun (and very funny) side story that I refuse to spoil.
Tim Allen is as good as ever, as is Tom Hanks. Seeing Woody and Buzz again and hearing the actors’ familiar vocal stylings are always great fun. Woody doesn’t have a lot to do, but you can’t write him out. Hanks achieves some giggles, but Woody is no longer part of the main focus. Devoted fans (I am included in this group) have seen full-on Woody & Buzz adventures in four movies over the course of 31 years. To have another popular character carry a new adventure doesn’t hurt.
As Jessie, Joan Cusack beams like the brightest star. The character runs a gauntlet of emotional challenges throughout the film and the screenplay gives Jessie a whole film for her character to grow. Cusack’s work features the best of her limitless talents. Full of exuberant life, the actress gives an engaging performance full of wit, emotion, and charm.
What Toy Story movie would be complete with the sounds of Randy Newman? The unique musician-songwriter-turned-film-composer crafts a good score. While Newman’s latest compositions don’t stray far from the previous four movies, the familiar queues complete the feelings of comfort for fans young and old.
If there is a flaw (that is not really a flaw), it is the inclusion of a final credits song from Taylor Swift. The abrupt inclusion of a modern pop song goes against the aura created by Randy Newman’s music. Why a fresh song from the composer wasn’t used is anybody’s guess.
Warm, clever, and constantly entertaining, for this picture to feel fresh five movies deep, speaks to the love and care the filmmakers have for the material, the beloved characters, and the series’ dedicated fanbase.
In a Hollywood where same ol’ same is the order of the day, Toy Story 5 is an absolute delight.
Toy Story 5
Written & Directed by Andrew Stanton & McKenna Harris
Starring Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, Scarlett Spears, Craig Robinson, Shelby Rabara, Tony Hale, Kristen Shaal
PG, 102 Minutes, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
