Rather than relying purely on nostalgia, Toy Story 5 tackles something many families are wrestling with today: children's growing dependence on screens. It's a brave theme, but one that's handled with warmth, humour and plenty of heart. The film doesn't simply paint technology as the villain. Instead, it explores what can happen when tablets and online lives begin to replace imagination, friendships and real-world play.
I took my four and five-year-old boys to see it, and they were completely captivated from beginning to end. That's no easy achievement in an age when children's attention spans are constantly being challenged. Even more telling was what happened afterwards. They left the cinema wanting to play, not asking for their tablets.
As a parent, some of the film's most powerful moments weren't the action or comedy, but the scenes touching on online bullying and the pressures children can face in digital spaces. Those sequences genuinely struck a chord with me and reinforced my determination to keep my boys away from social media for as long as possible.
Emotion has always been Toy Story's greatest strength, and this latest instalment certainly delivers. Jessie takes on a more central role, while Woody and Buzz still provide the familiar comfort longtime fans expect. There are laughs throughout, but also several genuinely moving moments that remind us why these characters have remained so beloved for more than three decades.
Some reviews have suggested the story plays things a little safely and doesn't quite reach the heights of the earlier films but I don't think that's fair - for me, the emotional message and its relevance to modern family life make this one of Pixar's most important films in years.
Toy Story 5 isn't just another sequel. It's a thoughtful conversation starter for parents, a magical adventure for children and a timely reminder that no screen can ever replace imagination, friendship and the joy of playing together.
★★★★★
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