‘Toy Story 5’ First Reactions Highlight a Generation-Defining Return to Form

Few animated franchises carry the emotional weight of Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ series. Since the original film revolutionized animation, each new installment has raised the question of whether there remains something meaningful to express about the bond between a child and their toys. With the fifth installment set to hit theaters later this month, this question has lingered since the project was first announced, especially among fans who believed the story had reached a natural conclusion.

Directed and written by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, ‘Toy Story 5’ is the first entry in the franchise to receive a PG rating. The film follows Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, once again voiced by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, as they confront the growing influence of technology represented by a tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, over their owner Bonnie. This theme of analog toys grappling with a digital world has clearly resonated with early viewers.

Following the Los Angeles premiere, the wave of first reactions was overwhelmingly positive. Collider’s Meredith Loftus described Jessie’s journey as a profoundly moving experience, noting that the exploration of the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in an emotional narrative, placing the film alongside ‘Toy Story 2’ and ‘Toy Story 3’ in terms of excellence. Comparisons to the franchise’s most cherished entries were prevalent across various reactions.

Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier pointed out that while the film may feel slightly disjointed at the start due to multiple storylines, these threads ultimately culminate in a phenomenal third act filled with the heart and humor that audiences expect from Pixar.

Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast went even further, calling it a generation-defining experience and praising Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants as one of the best characters in the series, framing the film as Jessie’s story where the yodeling cowgirl truly shines.

This sentiment about Jessie was echoed by LaughingPlace.com, which highlighted that making her the emotional core of the film was precisely what the franchise needed, commending Joan Cusack for delivering a performance that truly resonates.

The Pixar Post Podcast emphasized the film’s thematic richness alongside its humor, noting that while the emotions run deep, the humor is vibrant, with Smarty Pants and Forky providing some of the biggest laughs.

Film journalist Scott Menzel ranked ‘Toy Story 5’ alongside the first three films, calling it a perfect blend of humor, heart, and Pixar magic, suggesting it could be one of the best films of the year. He also argued that Taylor Swift’s original song for the film could be a strong contender for awards. Swift not only attended the premiere but also performed the song live, alongside “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” with Randy Newman, with her involvement only officially confirmed on June 1.

‘Toy Story 5’ is set to arrive in theaters on June 19, and both ‘Toy Story 3’ and ‘Toy Story 4’ previously surpassed the billion-dollar mark at the global box office. With such strong reactions indicating a film that honors the franchise’s legacy while also pushing it forward, the onus is now on audiences to show up and validate what critics are already celebrating. If you’ve been hesitant about returning to this world, do these initial reactions finally ease your concerns, or does extending the story beyond a fourth film still feel excessive?