Early reviews for “Toy Story 5” are rolling in, and they’re overwhelmingly positive.
The latest chapter in the iconic “Toy Story” series, directed by Andrew Stanton, has been hailed as a standout by critics who attended its Los Angeles premiere. This beloved franchise, which launched Pixar to fame as a powerhouse of animation, appears to have delivered yet another hit. Those in attendance were treated to a special live performance by Taylor Swift, who contributed the end credits song “I Knew It, I Knew You.” Swift also joined Randy Newman for a duet of “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” much to the delight of the audience.
Among the critics, Daniel Baptista from The Movie Podcast shared his thoughts on social media platform X, describing “Toy Story 5” as a “generation-defining experience” and a film that resonates with today’s audiences. Baptista praised Pixar for once again creating a meaningful and emotionally powerful movie, highlighting Conan O’Brien’s portrayal of Smarty Pants as an exceptional new character. He noted that the film centers on Jessie, played by Joan Cusack, celebrating her story as she takes center stage.
Echoing Baptista’s sentiments, Jazz Tangcay from Variety called the film “magical and pure perfection,” asserting that Jessie finally receives the narrative she deserves. Tangcay expressed how the movie moved her to both laughter and tears, emphasizing the brilliance of Swift’s song as a perfect accompaniment to the film. Meredith Loftus from Collider also praised the film, saying it deeply affected her with its exploration of the relationship between technology and toys through Jessie’s journey, and likened it to the original trilogy in terms of quality and impact.
Scott Menzel added his voice to the chorus of praise, describing “Toy Story 5” as a heartfelt return to form for Pixar. He emphasized the film’s blend of humor, emotion, and the classic Pixar magic that has defined the series. Menzel also suggested that Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, highlighting its significance in the film’s emotional landscape.
As for those specific reactions, let’s turn first to Daniel Baptista with The Movie Podcast, who posted about the film on X. “Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5’ is a GENERATION-DEFINING experience and exactly the story we need right now. [Pixar] once again delivers a meaningful, moving, and masterful must-see movie,” he wrote. “Conan [O’Brien] as Smarty Pants is an all-time great [‘Toy Story’] character. This is Jessie’s story, and our sheriff shines.”Â
Variety’s Jazz Tangcay agreed. “Toy Story 5 is magical and pure perfection. It is a fantastic entry into the franchise. Jessie finally gets the story she deserves!” Tangcay declared, giving a shout-out to Joan Cusack’s cowgirl Jessie, who made her debut back in “Toy Story 2.” “I laughed and cried at how marvelous Toy Story 5 is,” Tangcay continued, before declaring that Swift’s song is “perfect.” Over at Collider, critic Meredith Loftus continued that train of thought. “Toy Story 5 hit me in places I was unprepared for! Exploring the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in a deeply profound, moving story that had me in a puddle of tears,” she wrote, saying it’s as good as the original 3 “Toy Story” movies.
Critics are falling in love with Toy Story 5
Pixar Animation Studios
Critic Scott Menzel joined in the chorus of people who absolutely loved “Toy Story 5,” calling it “a wonderfully heartfelt return to form for Pixar Animation Studios and a reminder of why the ‘Toy Story’ franchise remains one of the greatest film series ever made.” After Menzel said that the movie “ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and that signature Pixar magic,” he got an Oscar campaign start: “Also, Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ has to be up for Best Original Song this awards season!”
Andrew Salazar of Discussing Film, meanwhile, adored the movie too. “I’m very happy to say that ‘Toy Story 5’ is a genuine home run. Jessie being the lead really gives it an infectious energy, and the toys vs. tech conflict is much more nuanced than expected. Moreover, it takes a hard stance on one-on-one human connection being key for children.”
Even critics who weren’t one hundred percent sold on the movie were charmed in the end, like iO9 and Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier. “‘Toy Story 5’ is a tiny bit disjointed at the start as it builds multiple different story lines, but they end up paying off with a phenomenal third act filled with all the heart and humor you expect from Pixar,” he declared. “Top tier stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.”
Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, and plenty of other previous “Toy Story” voice actors returned for the fifth film, and they’re joined by newcomers Greta Lee (as the toy Lilypad), Conan O’Brien (as Smarty Pants), and Bad Bunny as, uh, a character named “Pizza with Sunglasses.” The movie comes out on June 19, so experience it all for yourself then … and bring tissues to the theater.