Pixie Review: Toy Story 5-Worth Watching?

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for Toy Story 5. If you haven't seen the movie yet and want to experience it for yourself, you may want to come back after your trip to the theater!

I'll admit it—I was hesitant to see Toy Story 5 in theaters.

It wasn't because I don't love Disney or the Toy Story franchise. Quite the opposite, actually. Toy Story has always been one of my favorite Pixar series. But after watching Toy Story 4, I left feeling disappointed. While many people enjoyed it, the ending didn't feel like the farewell I was hoping for, and I wasn't convinced another sequel was necessary.

What ultimately convinced me to give Toy Story 5 a chance was hearing that the story would tackle children's relationship with technology. As someone who didn't have social media until late in high school, I've seen both the benefits and the challenges that come with growing up in an increasingly digital world. From cyberbullying to the pressure of always being connected, these are conversations that many families are already having. I appreciated that Pixar chose to explore these themes in a way that felt thoughtful rather than preachy, making them accessible for both children and adults.

So, did Toy Story 5 change my mind?

Surprisingly...yes.

What I Loved

Jessie Finally Gets Her Time to Shine

One of the biggest strengths of Toy Story 5 is that it feels much more connected to the spirit of the first two films. While the fourth movie shifted the focus in a different direction, this installment brings back the heart and teamwork that made the original movies so memorable.

This time, Jessie takes center stage, and it works incredibly well. Giving Jessie the spotlight feels fresh without taking away from the rest of the cast. More importantly, it allows the film to explore her story in a meaningful way. For those of us who grew up with the original Toy Story movies, Jessie's emotional journey adds another layer to a character we've loved for years. At the same time, younger audiences are introduced to why she's such an important part of the gang.

It's a refreshing change that pays off.

A Timely Message About Technology

One of my favorite aspects of the film is how it tackles children's relationship with technology. Rather than simply portraying devices as "bad," Toy Story 5 explores the importance of balance and reminds us that there is still incredible value in face-to-face friendships, imagination, and real-world experiences.

As someone who didn't have social media until late in high school, I appreciated this message. Over the years, I've watched technology become an increasingly large part of childhood. While there are certainly many benefits to staying connected and having access to information, there are also real concerns that come with it. Issues like cyberbullying, unhealthy comparisons on social media, excessive screen time, and the pressure to always be online have become challenges that many children face today.

I thought the film handled these topics in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way through one of its main antagonists. Instead of creating a villain that simply represents "technology is bad," Pixar encourages viewers to think about how technology should serve us—not replace meaningful friendships, creativity, and genuine human connection. It's a message that feels especially relevant for today's families and one that I think will resonate with both parents and kids long after the credits roll.

The Humor Is Classic Pixar

This movie had me laughing much more than I expected.

The army of Buzz Lightyears provides several hilarious moments, and Pixar once again fills the film with clever Easter eggs. One of my favorites was the deer accompanied by the familiar opening music from Bambi. Small touches like these reward longtime Disney fans without distracting from the story. The humor feels natural and keeps the movie entertaining for both kids and adults.

Bonnie Gets More Character Development

Another thing I appreciated was how the film balances the toys' adventure with Bonnie's own story. Unlike Andy, whose friendships and social struggles weren't really explored, Bonnie is given a more personal storyline as she tries to make friends. It's a relatable challenge that many children experience, and it adds emotional weight to the film without taking attention away from the toys.

The movie does a nice job showing that while the toys are facing their own challenges, Bonnie is growing alongside them.

Great Pacing

One thing that stood out throughout the movie was the pacing. The story moves at a steady pace, giving emotional moments room to breathe while keeping the adventure moving forward. At no point did the film feel rushed or like it was dragging.

What Didn't Quite Work

The Army of Buzzes Felt Underused

This isn't necessarily a major criticism, but it did stand out to me.

The army of Buzz Lightyears is funny, and there are definitely some memorable scenes involving them. However, after leaving the theater, I realized I kept forgetting they were even part of the movie. Their storyline doesn't have much impact on the overall plot, and if it had been removed entirely, I don't think the movie would have lost much. While they provide plenty of laughs, they ultimately feel more like a fun side adventure than an essential part of the story.

Buzz Still Feels Underutilized

This may just be my personal opinion, but I still don't think Pixar quite knows what to do with Buzz Lightyear.

One of my biggest criticisms of Toy Story 4 was how Buzz seemed to lose much of the confident leadership and wisdom that defined him in the first three films. His storyline revolved around following his "inner voice," which felt like a step backward for such an established character.

While Toy Story 5 is an improvement overall, I still found myself wishing Buzz had a stronger role. He often feels less confident than the Buzz we've come to know, and despite being one of the franchise's most iconic characters, he doesn't have as much impact on the story as I expected. I hope that if Pixar continues the series, they find a way to bring back the courageous, dependable Buzz that helped make the original films so special.

Final Thoughts

Going into Toy Story 5, I expected to leave feeling the same disappointment I had after the fourth film.

Instead, I walked away pleasantly surprised.

Is this movie absolutely necessary? Maybe not. But unlike its predecessor, it recaptures much of the heart, humor, and emotional storytelling that made the original Toy Story movies so beloved. Giving Jessie a larger role, expanding Bonnie's character, tackling the topic of technology in a thoughtful way, and delivering classic Pixar humor make this feel like a worthy addition to the franchise.

If you've been on the fence because of Toy Story 4, I'd encourage you to give Toy Story 5 a chance. You might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Pixie Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Have you seen Toy Story 5? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Did you enjoy Jessie's larger role, or do you think the franchise should have ended with an earlier film?