TOY STORY 5: JESSIE'S TURN TO SAY GOODBYE

I like to think it's not a coincidence that the first Toy Story came out the same year I was born. Like so many people my age, I've grown up with these characters. The two Toy Story tattoos on my body and the toys miniatures on my shelves might state that I’m a fan. The characters have been there through my childhood, adolescence, and adult years.

One of my first thoughts going into Toy Story 5 was: where is Woody? I definitely missed him. While he still has a presence in the story, he's no longer the emotional center in this movie. That being said, giving Jessie that spotlight was a smart move and also heartwarming for someone who’s been cheering for Jessie since movie 2. She's one of the most beloved characters in the series, and this film finally gives her the emotional closure she's deserved for years.

The central conflict between traditional toys and technology feels especially relevant today. The movie asks whether toys can still compete in a world where screens dominate children's attention. One line in particular stuck with me: "Toys are for play and tech is for everything." It perfectly captures the appeal of technology and why even the toys themselves become fascinated by it.

The light metaphor explores the depth of friendships formed online and the feeling of belonging that comes from being part of a digital community. Rather than presenting technology as purely good or bad, the movie examines why it's so attractive in the first place. It even touches on cyberbullying, a subject that feels very contemporary without becoming overly heavy-handed for a kids film.

One of my favourite scenes in the film were the transitions between the toys being played with and the visualisation of a child's imagination, it’s the first time they’ve done that. Watching the ordinary play transform into the epic adventures children see in their heads was incredibly nostalgic. If you grew up playing with toys, that sequence captures something magical that many of us had forgotten.

The secondary plot involving the Buzz Lightyears escaping their boxes and trying to reach the moon was more hit-or-miss for me. The repeated joke of the Buzzes realising they're toys, something we've already seen explored brilliantly in previous films, didn't always land.

However, moments like "Zurg is my dad!" were genuinely funny. By the final act, the Buzzes became a great addition to the story, and the modernised Buzz ultimately proved crucial in helping everyone save themselves. It also led to one of the sweetest Jessie and Buzz moments in the entire franchise after a movie's worth of buildup.

And speaking of nostalgia, hearing Tom Hanks' voice again instantly transported me back to childhood. Some things never lose their emotional impact.

The film's strongest element is undoubtedly Jessie's arc. Her line, "I can't love another kid just to find out I never mattered," is devastating because it gets to the heart of what toys in this universe fear most: being forgotten. And realistically, we all feel the same way somehow. Her journey comes full circle as she learns that even when people move on, it doesn't erase the impact you've had on their lives. And that’s for sure a message to us, beyond toys and a kids movie.

Kids may not fully understand the need for closure or the realisation that sometimes people change and you no longer fit into their lives. But the movie reminds us that our importance isn't measured by permanence. Even something as simple as naming a child after a beloved toy becomes proof that connections leave lasting marks.

Across five films, the franchise has consistently explored teamwork, friendship, loyalty, and growing up. What changes here is the recognition that growth also requires balance. The film celebrates the simplicity of children who aren't completely consumed by screens while acknowledging that technology isn't going anywhere.

The ending beautifully captures that message. Jessie's relationship with Buzz reaches a satisfying conclusion, while her connection with Lilypad develops into one built on genuine understanding rather than obligation. It's a reminder that growth often comes from finding balance and from meeting people who truly understand you.

Toy Story 5 isn't perfect. I missed Woody, and a part of the movie felt dragged. But its emotional intelligence, nostalgia, and willingness to let its characters evolve make it a worthy addition to the franchise. More importantly, it understands something that Toy Story has always understood: growing up doesn't mean leaving your past behind. It means carrying those memories with you while making room for new ones.

Even though I really enjoyed the movie, I wouldn’t want another one. It felt like closure, and I’m more than happy to finish off with this one.

To infinity and beyond.