Toy Story 5 – do we need it? One worries for the narrative integrity of characters when an IP is thrashed to death like this. The latest instalment, however, does address one of the most pressing dilemmas of modern childhood (screen time) and whether it will be the end of toys. (‘Extinction… Not again!’ cries Rex, the dinosaur.)
It is timely, with some delicious touches – Woody now has a bald spot
So it is timely, with some delicious touches – Woody now has a bald spot. And while it isn’t as entertaining as the first three and stumbles at the finishing line, it may be better than the fourth, with its horrible doll Gabby Gabby. In other words, I’d advise you to steer clear of the ‘it should have stopped at three’ crowd on Reddit, as they seem highly aggressive and is this really the hill you want to die on?
This one is written and directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, with a score by Randy Newman and an original song from Taylor Swift (‘I Knew It, I Knew You’) which, considering what it must have cost, doesn’t figure memorably, but it may be the kind to grow on you.
Our favourite toys still belong to Bonnie, and the gang is all here: Mr Potato Head, Slinky, Forky, as well as cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack) who moves front and centre with her abandonment issues, and spaceman Buzz (Tim Allen).
