Funny Conan O’Brien in the sequel
Published 2026-06-17 09.19
Toy Story 5
Direction Andrew Stantonwith the voices of Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Tom HanksGreta Lee, Conan O’Brien.
MOVIE REVIEW. The cowgirl Jessie takes command in a fifth “Toy story”, which begins as a debate post about screen time but ends as something much nicer.
Conan O’Brien’s toilet aid nest is a fun new addition to the playbox.
ANIMATED COMEDY. The animation studio Pixar wrote themselves into the history books when they produced the very first computer-animated feature film “Toy story” (1995). It was so groundbreaking that they received a special Oscar for the feat. Financially, things didn’t go too well either when the cowboy Woody and the space hero Buzz Lightyear were introduced to the world for the first time.
Before the toys took the world by storm, Pixar was bleeding money and the owner at the time was itching Steve Jobs fingers to sell the company on. Woody and Buzz became the salvation of the studio. It is no exaggeration to say that Pixar is built on “Toy Story’s” toy axes. With that in mind, it’s no wonder they’re now coming up with a fifth installment in the film series (not to forget the easily forgotten spin-off “Lightyear” which came this year).
After Woody in “Toy Story 4” leaving girl Bonnie to help abandoned toys find new owners, cowgirl Jessie has taken the reins as the sheriff of the toy box, with Buzz as her swarming sidekick.
Buying a surfing toad
Since Bonnie has trouble making new friends, mom and dad buy her the frog-shaped surf toad Lilypad so that at least a screen can keep her company. Bonnie is instantly addicted to the games, sounds and digital friends. She is not alone. In every home, faces are illuminated by the blue glow from the screens – both adults and children.
This time the toy gang faces perhaps their most difficult challenge yet. How will Jessie and the others be able to compete with electronics? Is the time of toys over?
If you didn’t know better, you could have thought that the film is sponsored by the Public Health Authority. Screen time is equated with cyberbullying, lonely children and the death sentence for playful creativity. “Toy story 5” feels like a film by parents for parents. There is nothing wrong with the theme, nor the message, but you want to be entertained – not to have a debate post read out.
Thankfully, Pixar knows what they’re doing—even on bad days. The moral panic quickly becomes more nuanced and even the – at this point – more worn-out tropes in the film series are tied together in emotional and fine endings. Tears are shed.
It is also the right decision to let Jessie be the main character this time – something that gives the film series a much-needed injection of life. Of course, Woody is coaxed back into the story, but more out of nostalgia than necessity.
The funnest is the new addition Smarty Pants, an electronic aid for children to learn to go to the toilet themselves, played by Conan O’Brien in the English version. Kiss and poo jokes have rarely been so funny or delivered with such gusto.
A little loosely stacked on top of each other
The film is not as well-cast as its predecessors. The scenes are sometimes a little loosely stacked on top of each other, but emotionally “Toy story 5” still hits the spot. The director and screenwriter Andrew Stantonwhich in addition to “Finding Nemo” and “Wall-E” also co-wrote all the “Toy story” films, clearly loves his toys.
Basically, the “Toy Story” movies are always about the same thing: toys with existential crises. Loss of purpose, the ability to love without the guarantee of reciprocation, the fear of being left. No wonder they touch so much. The fifth film asks a new question – what happens when love is no longer needed?
Quentin Tarantinowho may be getting a little gaggy in his opinions, called “Toy Story” one of the best trilogies ever made. He refuses to see the sequels. I certainly agree that “Toy Story 3” was a crushing and beautiful ending, but “Toy story 5” shows that there is still life left in the toy box.
Shown in cinemas.
Don’t forget to like Aftonbladet FILM on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, bluesky, Threads and X (Twitter) for news, trailers, reviews and nice movie nostalgia.
