The toys of Toy Story have been a part of the cultural landscape for decades. The first film dropped in 1995 and helped put Pixar on the map. Over the years, the sequels have taken on new eras, new stories, and helped grow with those who started watching them as kids.

That’s certainly still the case with Toy Story 5, the latest in the franchise. Coming 31 years after the original, it still features the old gang, but puts a focus more on one of the unsung heroes of the last few films, Jessie (Joan Cusack). It’s her story—both telling her origin and her fight to remain part of Bonnie’s (Scarlett Spears) life. And it’s one of the biggest releases of the summer. But does it live up to the hype?

The film finds Jessie now as the leader of the toys, with Woody (Tom Hanks) having made his exit with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and the rest of the gang rescuing lost toys. Jessie is Bonnie’s right-hand gal, leading her adventures. But Bonnie has struggled to make friends with other kids, despite the best efforts of Jessie. It seems toys and imagination can’t compete with technology.

Wanting to give Bonnie a chance, her parents buy her a Lilypad (Gretta Lee) tablet. Lilypad becomes all consuming, but launches Bonnie it a world with other girls her own age who are also addicted to their tablets. That leaves Jessie and the rest out in the cold. But Jessie knows that Bonnie needs something more than the hollow electronic connections.

So, with the help of some retro technology, Woody, and Buzz (Tim Allen), along with the next generation of Buzz Lightyear toys, Jessie sets out to connect Bonnie to another girl who shares her fondness for imagination.

This is a fun story and exploration. We begin with Jessie’s background, seeing her first kid. It’s a heart-warming sequence that pays dividends later in the story. This is Jessie’s movie, and Cusack gives a great performance in the lead here. Jessie is fierce, funny, and leads a great adventure to make Bonnie’s life better.

We still get some Buzz and Woody moments, but they fittingly take more of a back seat here. This is also a film that explores the nature of toys, imagination, and the all-consuming world of technology and online bullying. It’s some heady themes that will likely speak to adults more so than younger viewers. It will make you nostalgic and give you food-for-thought as the adults who grew up watching the toys are now raising a generation of young kids of their own.

All these movies are great rides. The best of them make an emotional connection in a tangible way. For me, the franchise peaked with Toy Story 3, which might owe a little to my age in the process of this journey. Much like the last installment, I enjoyed this film. I was entertained and, at times, moved. I don’t know if this will be the final installment, but it certainly feels like a satisfying enough way for this franchise to end.

This will appeal to audiences of all ages. It doesn’t reach the height of previous franchise entries—or even Pixar’s other 2026 release, Hoppers, but it’s a good time. It’s worth seeking out for fans or those looking for a family-friendly time at the movies.

Toy Story 5 is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.