New Toy Story Film Explores Digital Device Impact on Childhood
The latest addition to the beloved Toy Story series, Toy Story 5, is generating a range of critical opinions. While some reviewers describe it as a "warm and wry update" to a potentially overextended franchise, a recurring theme in the feedback is the film's "cautionary" stance on technology. The movie, which sees iconic characters Woody, Buzz, and Jessie contending with a new digital gadget named Lilypad for children's attention, arrives in UK cinemas shortly after a proposed social media ban for under-16s was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Critics Divided on Franchise Longevity and Message
Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent, in a two-star review, acknowledged the film's topicality but labeled it "the worst in the series." She argued that while the theme is relevant, the franchise, which began in 1995, has begun to "show its age." Similarly, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw, also awarding two stars, suggested that Toy Story is now "played out" and suffering from "IP exhaustion."
However, other critics offered more positive assessments. Robbie Collin from The Telegraph gave the film four stars, commending its "warm and wry update of a beloved formula." He highlighted cowgirl doll Jessie's expanded role and the film's portrayal as "another parable of parental crisis dressed up as a brightly coloured family adventure" and a "cautionary tale about online childhoods." Kevin Maher of The Times also awarded four stars, noting that the movie's message could be seen as a reflection of societal shifts regarding technology, even if the ending suggests a complex compromise on the issue.
David Fear from Rolling Stone expressed skepticism about the film's necessity, questioning its existence beyond satisfying stockholders, regardless of concerns about screen time. Conversely, Helen O'Hara of Empire gave it four stars, praising its "welcome return to philosophical form" as a "funny, warm-hearted and largely – perhaps overly – optimistic" entry.
“The movie's captivating sweetness is hard to resist.”
Screen International's Tim Grierson found it "another delightful adventure that mines fresh emotional terrain," while The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney felt the film "does the enduring franchise proud." Danny Leigh of The Financial Times, with a three-star rating, observed that the film depicts technology making the young "both sadder and meaner." BBC Culture's Nicholas Barber provocatively called it "the year's most traumatic film – for parents."
Cast Reflects on Screen Addiction Theme
The film once again features the voices of Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Tom Hanks as Woody, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. Greta Lee joins the cast as the voice of Lilypad, the frog-like smart tablet. The plot revolves around Buzz and Woody rallying the toys to prevent their owner, Bonnie, from becoming overly engrossed in the electronic device. Other notable voice actors include Conan O'Brien, Jordan North, and Bad Bunny.
Tom Hanks previously told BBC News that the latest Toy Story film underscores the issue of children's screen addiction, a topic he finds deeply concerning. He noted that the cast resonated with the storyline, having all witnessed the "disinterest" of young people preoccupied with their phones. Hanks described it as a "generational thing," where a new generation becomes defined by technology, pouring all their attention into it.
Source: Toy Story 5 splits critics, but most praise its 'cautionary' message about tech