The lights may be bright, but the spark has fizzled in Toy Story 5 – a fifth chapter that's slick and polished, yet woefully lacking in the magic dust that made its predecessors shine. Like a brand new smartphone without a personality, this latest Pixar effort feels like a mere tech upgrade, rather than a genuine innovation.
The big idea behind this film is a timely one: the threat of technology to childhood imagination. Enter Lilypad, a sinister-sounding tablet voiced by Greta Lee that's as creepy as it sounds – or so we're told. But critics argue that this 'villain' ultimately shows its sentimental side, sacrificing itself for the greater good and, in doing so, undermining the film's core concept.
The gang's all here: Jessie, Woody, and Buzz are back, with Bonnie – the young owner of Woody and friends – at the centre of it all. Woody's living his best life as a wild mustang, free from human control, while Buzz remains steadfastly loyal to Bonnie. But Woody's also showing signs of wear and tear – a bald patch and paunch that make him look like he's been riding too many dusty trails.
Bonnie herself is struggling to find her place in the world, ostracised by her peers for her love of traditional toys. When she gets a Lilypad, it quickly turns into a nightmare of online bullying and cyber-harassment. Meanwhile, Jessie finds an unlikely new friend in Blaze – a young horse enthusiast who's a toy lover at heart.
The film tries to recapture the emotional resonance of its predecessors with a new Taylor Swift song and a poignant revisiting of a classic plot point from Toy Story 2. But, alas, it's handled with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer – leaving critics feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
The franchise is now over 30 years old, and some are starting to wonder if Pixar has simply run out of ideas. The verdict on Toy Story 5? A lacklustre effort that's more style than substance – a bit like a phone with all the bells and whistles but no heart or soul.