Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is a glorious conclusion to the beloved franchise that shaped a generation, delivering all the heart, humour and adventure audiences have cherished since 1995.
At a special Queensland preview screening at Reading Cinemas Newmarket, it was clear that this latest chapter is designed for the millennials who grew up alongside Woody, Buzz and the gang.
Seeing all our favourite toys reunited once again felt like catching up with old friends, wrapped in a warm hug of nostalgia.
This time, much of the emotional weight belongs to Jessie, whose mission to help Bonnie make a friend forms the heart of the story. Along the way, audiences are treated to a beautiful expansion of Jessie’s backstory, revisiting her connection with Emily, first introduced in Toy Story 2.
What follows is one of the film’s most powerful moments—a tear-jerking full-circle reveal showing where Emily’s journey has taken her from childhood to adulthood. It’s a sequence guaranteed to leave few dry eyes in the cinema.
New character Blaze is a wonderful addition to the Toy Story universe. Lovable, imaginative and full of personality, Blaze brings fresh energy to the story while fitting seamlessly alongside the iconic characters audiences already adore.
At the centre of the film’s exploration of technology is LilyPad, Bonnie’s new tech companion. While designed to help and entertain, LilyPad quickly becomes a symbol of the pressures many children face to fit in and keep up with what everyone else is doing.
Through Bonnie’s relationship with LilyPad, Toy Story 5 thoughtfully examines the growing role technology plays in children’s lives and the challenges families face in finding a healthy balance.
The film doesn’t paint technology as purely good or bad; instead, it encourages conversations about connection, belonging and the important role parents play in helping children navigate an increasingly digital world.
The laughs come thick and fast thanks to sharp, witty dialogue, while one of the film’s most entertaining surprises sees an army of Buzz Lightyear toys transformed into drones, helping save the day in spectacular fashion.
A huge part of what makes returning to the Toy Story universe feel so special is hearing these beloved characters brought to life once again by their iconic voice cast. Tom Hanks effortlessly slips back into the role of Woody with warmth and heart, while Tim Allen delivers the perfect blend of bravery, comedy and charm as Buzz Lightyear.
Meanwhile, Joan Cusack gives perhaps the film’s most emotional performance, bringing incredible depth and tenderness to Jessie’s journey.
Their performances, alongside the returning ensemble cast, remind audiences why these characters have remained so beloved for more than three decades.
Visually, the animation is breathtaking. Pixar continues to raise the bar, with stunning detail, vibrant worlds and expressive character work that brings every emotional beat to life.
Adding to the emotion is the film’s closing moments, accompanied by Taylor Swift’s beautiful new song, ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’. The track perfectly complements the themes of friendship, growing up and remembering those who have shaped our lives, providing one final emotional punch as the credits begin to roll.
Whatever you do—don’t forget to stay for the post-credit scene. Like the film itself, it’s packed with charm, laughs and one final surprise that longtime Toy Story fans won’t want to miss.
Heartwarming, funny, relatable and deeply moving, Toy Story 5 shines a spotlight on friendship, loneliness and what it means to be different. More importantly, it reminds us to hold on to the little kid inside all of us.
Thank you to Disney Australia and Shout Communications for the invitation to this fabulous preview event.
Go see Toy Story 5 to heal your inner child, celebrate the friends who shaped your life, and remember that growing up doesn’t mean letting go of who you once were.
TICKETS
RELEASING EXCLUSIVELY IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS ON THURSDAY 18 JUNE
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 