Toy Story 5 splits critics, but most praise its ‘cautionary’ message about tech

Toy Story 5 Divides Critics, Yet Its Tech Cautionary Tale Earns Broad Approval

Toy Story 5 splits critics but most - The fifth chapter of the beloved Toy Story series has stirred a range of reactions from reviewers, with some hailing it as a "refreshing and emotionally resonant reboot" while others question its relevance in a franchise that has "lost its spark." Despite the divide, most critics converge on a central theme: the film’s exploration of children’s growing reliance on digital devices serves as a sharp critique of modern technology’s influence on young minds.

Release and Context

Toy Story 5 premiered in UK cinemas this week, coinciding with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent proposal to restrict social media use for those under 16. The timing has drawn comparisons between the film’s narrative and current debates on screen time. As the series entered its 30th anniversary, the release has become a focal point for discussions on its evolution.

Critical Reception

The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey gave the film two stars, calling it "certainly timely" but also the "most underwhelming entry in the series." She noted that while the plot is "topical," the franchise’s "natural momentum has finally faltered," with Pixar’s long-running project "showing signs of wear." In contrast, The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin praised the film as a "charming and clever rework" of the classic formula, highlighting its "nuanced take on the tech-driven childhood" and the "emotional depth" of Jessie’s character arc.

"With Toy Story 5, Pixar’s 30-year-old franchise has finally started to show its age," Loughrey wrote. "While this is topical, there does come a point in any franchise where the natural momentum dies."

Meanwhile, The Times’s Kevin Maher lauded the film as "a triumph for nostalgic storytelling," suggesting it might resonate with "tech-skeptical parents" and "sensitive thinkers." He noted that the "third act’s sentimentality" seemed to propose a "compromise" in the ongoing debate over digital dependency, though he questioned if the film "succeeds in balancing its message."

Cast and Plot

Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear, while Tom Hanks and Joan Cusack reprise their roles as Woody and Jessie. The film introduces Greta Lee as Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart toy that challenges the traditional toy hierarchy. The story follows Woody and Buzz as they rally other toys to win back the affection of Bonnie, a young girl increasingly captivated by Lilypad’s digital allure. Voice actors like Conan O’Brien, Jordan North, and Bad Bunny add to the film’s eclectic cast.

Other Perspectives

Some critics offered more guarded praise. Screen International’s Tim Grierson called it "a delightful and heartfelt journey," noting its ability to "mine fresh emotional ground" while delivering "laughter that feels genuine." The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney affirmed the film’s "enduring appeal," stating its "sweetness is hard to resist." However, Financial Times’s Danny Leigh gave it three stars, arguing it "paints a bleak picture of tech’s impact," making children "both sadder and more detached." BBC Culture’s Nicholas Barber dubbed it "the most harrowing film of the year for parents," emphasizing its "relatable anxieties" about digital overreach.

Tom Hanks, reflecting on the film’s themes, told BBC News that Toy Story 5 "captures the modern struggle of children’s tech addiction." He described how the cast empathizes with the storyline, as they’ve all "experienced the disinterest of young people who stare at screens constantly." "This is a generational shift," Hanks said, "where a new cohort defines itself through technology, and it’s all-consuming."