Toy Story 5 – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Toy Story 5 – Childhood of Days Past … You are My Jessie

Journeys are a winding path that marks the place where memories and emotions collide.  We all have taken those steps, making our way through the highs and lows of the path.  The trials that we stand for, the tribulations we come to find, become a matter of wavering chance that shows us, there is a point of existence and meaning.  This aspect revels in the art of storytelling, one that (if done right) can show why certain properties stand the test of time.  In this review, I look at the latest film from Pixar.  In the journey of toys, we find ourselves once again … seeing the importance of play.  No matter what can be said, Toy Story 5 is simply … an amazing journey that shows us that moments are precious … especially in our childhood.

As the era of childhood continues to evolve, so does the meaning of play.  For our loveable toys, they will come against their toughest opponent: electronics.  To look at a film, we are drawn to them because of the inventive storytelling or the studio’s behind the creation.  One of those entities that strikes both is Pixar.  For many, Pixar films make us fall into a certain sense of magic and wonder.  It is in their risk taking, where creating tales of ‘Rats cooking in France’ to ‘The everyday job of emotions’ can feel so out of this world … but genuine.  One of the biggest properties that seem to always hit out of the park is Toy Story.  For over 30 years, each iteration has found a reason to speak the meaningful stature of toys … and with this latest chapter, it continues that tradition.  We continue from the previous film, as we find our lovable cast of toys finding ways to make Bonnie’s life fun.  After a quick imaginative sequence, the toys are introduced to a new element in their child’s life, an electronic device known as Lilypad.  With the introduction of this ‘new’ toy, situations turn dire, causing Jessie (the cowgirl toy) to embark on a quest to show that playtime is still important in the world of electronics (main plot).  From here, the journey starts off on a familiar path, but slowly evolves into something that sparks a genuine feel.  From your returning favorites to new toys (you can view the list of voice actors/actresses at the film’s IMdb page – link), situations turn into meaningful reflections of life, growth, friendship and play.  For all that seems predictable, these themes turn that into an understanding of social interaction with the sense of everlasting memories.  From Jessie’s perspective, it becomes a clustering of past trauma that causes angst to her overt attachments.  From Lilypad’s perspective, it is a thoughtful occurrence that becomes a blind eye to the authenticity of the child.  This provides raw uncertainty, but also parallels the past struggles that Woody and Buzz used to face (with Andy).  Their ‘elder statesmen’ like mantra combined with the current conflict of ‘what is important’ for Bonnie becomes a heighten adventure of personal growth.  This brings about the truest escape of the imagination, highlighting Pixar’s great storytelling methods.

As Jessie and Lilypad embark on their unique quests, the revelations (along the way) rise above clichés of ‘good’ or ‘bad’.  The typical nature of conflict is thrown out the window, creating a place where the importance of the journey strikes a personal chord.  This marks that realistic grip on the imaginative journey, creating a mirrored perspective of yourself in the film.  You are overwhelmed, emotional and overjoyed … seeing that authentic meaning of what it means to grow up.  As everything comes too, we head into a third act that brings everything full circle, leveling in a heartfelt climax and epilogue.  Toy Story 5 is simply, another remarkable entry in this franchise.  For those that love Pixar, this series or great storytelling, don’t miss this.  I don’t know how they do it, but this is another great tale about toys and childhood.

Full Score – 5 out of 5 (Legendary)