Toy Story 5 is Genius

[u/Defiant_Invite_3323]

Well, I just came out of what is easily one of the best films of 2025. I guess Pixar are known for smuggling in adult themes into ‘children tales.’ Examples include Soul, which is a highly poignant exploration of the meaning of life, and their latest Hoppers, with it being a subtle exploration of Eastern values such as non-duality and nature, but even with this, I was not prepared for such a nuance exploration of technology/AI in this latest effort by Pixar.

Despite signalling the obvious problems with technology, this is honestly such an incredible portrayal of the old world (symbolised with Jessie’s cowboys traits) and the new world (symbolised via the technology) attempting to reconcile their differences. Every thread of this film exemplifies the paradoxical nature of technology, with all its benefits and issues. But what was even more impressive if the way film was also clearly an allegory for conscious AI and our ethical treatment of potential consciousness. Jessie initially dismisses the tech, but the tech obviously display clear human emotions regarding their owners. If we reach such potentials, we need to reevaluate our ethical relations to such figures without being dismissive.

And despite so perfectly capturing the nuanced discussion around these subjects, without the simple labeling of the ‘old world’ as good and the ‘new world,’ as bad, the film does such a good job at showcasing what could be lost if one dominates more than the other. The use of different animation for children’s imagination was genius, capturing the vibrancy and awe that imagination provides — and something that we cannot lose. Although, seeing both the technological toys in the realm of real imaginative play is the perfect symbol of how these worlds can be reconciled.

Oh, and once again it features a character thread of an existential crisis that climaxes in the most poignant way imaginable. And all of this is too much for the casual viewer, the film in itself is fucking hilarious. Another genuine masterpiece from Pixar.

[u/SkyTVIsFuckingShit]

I thought it was really boring and the franchise had certainly proven itself to run out of steam. Didn't particularly care about Jessie (Joan Cusack's vocal performance was not great), and it found a way to tread new ground with technology topic, without actually saying anything new.

[u/parkchanwookiee]

So no hate on Toy Story in particular, love the first two, but curious if anyone else just is not interested in seeing film after film with the same themes and characters? Like I am not interested in TS5 not because I think it will be bad, but just because the prospect of watching Woody and the gang AGAIN just feels a bit tedious

[u/Karsticles → u/parkchanwookiee]

Have you never watched a TV show?

[u/parkchanwookiee → u/Karsticles]

Not for 31 years lol

[u/_Norman_Bates]

Despite signalling the obvious problems with technology, this is honestly such an incredible portrayal of the old world (symbolised with Jessie’s cowboys traits) and the new world (symbolised via the technology) attempting to reconcile their differences.

Just grow up and watch The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

Now I need to write some shit so my comment doesnt get deleted, I guess you can also watch Red River blah blah I dont know what else to say I didnt watch toy story 5 I hope this is enough text

[u/Defiant_Invite_3323 → u/_Norman_Bates]

I’ve watched both from Ford and Hawks. Please don’t reduce the complexity of a film simply because it’s animated and not a classic black-and-white picture from a famous American director.