It has been over thirty years since the first Toy Story film was released. Over the years, the series has dealt with many important issues through the lives of toys.

The first film was about the fear of being replaced and the importance of friendship. The second film showed why accepting change is important. Toy Story 3 focused on the fear of being left behind, while Toy Story 4 was about finding a new purpose in life.

The latest film takes on a modern issue — the growing use of digital devices. It shows how too much screen time can affect children’s creativity while reminding us that technology and traditional play can exist together in balance.

Set two years after the fourth film, Toy Story 5 follows Jessie, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the other toys as they face the arrival of Lilypad, a tablet that becomes Bonnie’s new favourite toy. Jessie has the biggest role in this film, while Woody appears less than in the earlier instalments.

The traditional toys see technology as a threat, and at times even try to fight against it. However, instead of showing technology as the enemy, the film encourages children to enjoy both digital devices and imaginative play in a balanced way.

Concepts like sleepovers, along with chatbots and messaging apps, reflect the lives of today’s children. At the same time, forgotten devices such as a potty-training device, a GPS receiver and a camera also get a chance to prove their usefulness.

The voice cast delivers excellent performances. Tom Hanks once again brings warmth to Woody, Tim Allen is as brave and funny as Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack shines as Jessie, whose past is explored in more detail. The new character, Lilypad, adds a fresh and interesting angle to the story.

The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, who has worked on every Toy Story film. He has also directed Finding Nemo (2003), WALL·E (2008), and Finding Dory (2016). His experience is visible in every scene. The animation is beautiful, with bright colours, detailed backgrounds and lifelike expressions that make both happy and emotional moments feel real.

Overall, Toy Story 5 captures the magic that has made the series loved for more than three decades. For parents who grew up watching Toy Story, it is a chance to relive happy memories and even shed a few tears. For children who spend more time on tablets than with toys, the film is a gentle reminder that imagination, creativity and simple play are still just as important.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 15th, 2026