Pixar's “Toy Story 5” proves the beloved franchise still has something meaningful to say, shifting its focus from Woody and Buzz to Jessie while exploring childhood, technology, and the growing disconnect between digital life and genuine human connection. Although it may not reach the emotional heights of “Toy Story 3”, the sequel delivers a thoughtful message about friendship, imagination, and staying true to oneself.

Rather than centring on the franchise's iconic duo, “Toy Story 5” places Jessie (Joan Cusack) at the heart of the story. Her past abandonment continues to shape her worldview, making her the ideal character through whom the film examines modern childhood and the fear that technology is replacing meaningful play.

Bonnie, now eight years old, is struggling to make friends. Unlike her classmates, she still enjoys imaginative play with her toys, including an amusing opening sequence featuring Forky and his plastic-utensil companion. Worried about her loneliness, Bonnie's parents buy her a frog-shaped tablet named Lily (voiced by Greta Lee), hoping technology will help her connect with other children.

Lily immediately disrupts the toys' peaceful household. Jessie, convinced that Bonnie needs real friendships built through imagination and face-to-face interaction, sees the tablet as a threat. Meanwhile, Lily believes online gaming, digital invitations, and friend requests offer Bonnie the easiest path to fitting in. The conflict becomes a timely reflection of modern parenting, balancing concerns about excessive screen time with the reality that technology has become central to children's social lives.

The film carefully avoids becoming outright anti-technology, instead presenting a nuanced debate about finding balance. Jessie repeatedly champions traditional play, but her certainty is challenged as the story unfolds.

When Bonnie attends her first sleepover, she becomes embarrassed about bringing toys, leaving Jessie and Bullseye behind. The pair eventually find themselves at the home of Emily, Jessie's original owner, only to discover that another family now lives there. Instead of reuniting with Emily, Jessie meets Blaze, another imaginative eight-year-old who could become Bonnie's perfect friend.

To return home and unite the two girls, Jessie teams up with an entertaining group of obsolete gadgets, including a GPS hippo named Atlas (Craig Robinson), an old digital camera called Snappy, and a quirky toilet-training handheld game voiced by Conan O'Brien. These new characters blend naturally into the established “Toy Story” universe while adding fresh humour and perspective.

Meanwhile, Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) remain important supporting players. Buzz's storyline offers a charming reversal of traditional gender expectations as he nervously struggles to express his feelings for Jessie. Woody, returning to help his friends, grapples with signs of aging, though this intriguing concept never receives the emotional depth it deserves. Running jokes about his weight gain and bald spot provide comic relief but stop short of exploring what growing old truly means for a toy.

Director Andrew Stanton and co-writer Kenna Harris wisely keep the emotional focus on Jessie, whose journey is as much about overcoming her own fears as it is about helping Bonnie. Forced to confront painful memories of abandonment, Jessie gradually realises that technology itself is not the enemy. Instead, meaningful relationships require honesty, courage, and genuine human interaction, regardless of the tools people use to communicate.

Visually, “Toy Story 5” maintains Pixar's trademark excellence, delivering beautifully animated environments and expressive character performances. While the story generally takes the safest possible route, it still delivers several emotionally powerful sequences reminiscent of the franchise's finest moments.

Ultimately, “Toy Story 5” is less interested in condemning technology than encouraging balance. Its message is simple but timely: children should not hide who they are simply to fit in, and authentic friendships grow from shared experiences rather than carefully curated online identities.

The film's themes resonate well beyond its young audience. In an era increasingly dominated by screens, social media, and digital personas, “Toy Story 5” gently reminds viewers of all ages that imagination, vulnerability, and genuine human connection remain irreplaceable. It may not surpass the emotional legacy of its predecessors, but it successfully expands the franchise's heart, proving these beloved toys still have valuable lessons to share.