The Stream: A bit dramatic.

The Big Screen: The imaginary play scenes are great!

The Final Bill: A movie for the whole family

– S2S: Movie Review
Director: McKenna Harris, Andrew Stanton
Writers: McKenna Harris, Andrew Stanton
Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Conan O’Brien, Scarlett Spears, Greta Lee
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes mid credit and end credit scene
Production Companies: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Platform: Released in theaters June 19, 2026
Notable Trailers: Minions and Monsters, Cat in the Hat, Forgotton Island, Coyote vs Acme, Gatto, Hexed, Moana (Live Action)

Welcome back, Streamers! This past Juneteenth we were able to check out Toy Story 5! This latest installment of the Toy Story series follows Woody, Buzz, and Jessie as they help Bonnie navigate getting older and the challenges with new electronics and technology being as a threat to playtime and social interaction.  Toy antics ensue.

Full disclosure, I’m not the biggest Toy Story fan, but I had to see why this latest episode was being made.   Toy Story 4 left people wanting, but this installment delivers the classic superb animation which a new imagination.  In fact,  the best moments of the movie are these fantasy animation sequences.   The movie would be depressing without them quite honestly.  These movies are always a mix of funny and internal conflict, especially in later installments and this was nothing different.   The filmmakers really delve into what we perceive is a huge struggle for families, screentime and social media.  The story is tasteful and tactful in showing the struggle young kids are going through.  There are times I think they tell the viewer instead of showing the viewer which could’ve been more impactful.   In this vein, the movie is just as much for the kids as it is for the parents.   The constant battle of nurturing a kid’s imagination while trying not to deprive them of current trends to keep them relevant socially.  It’s a whole thing and honestly may be a bit much for a toy movie, if anything.

Long story short, while this movie did not need to be made and they should’ve ended the series with Toy Story 3, Toy Story 5 is better than Toy Story 4, cute and definitely a message for the whole family; but it’s not the best of the series. The best parts of the movie are few and far between; nevertheless, it definitely will make you laugh. Grab a bowl of popcorn and check out Toy Story 5 during school hours.