The Toy Story Saga: When 93% Isn’t Enough
There’s something almost poetic about Toy Story 5 setting a record—just not the kind Pixar was hoping for. With a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s officially the lowest-rated film in the franchise. And yet, here’s the irony: 93% is still a score most filmmakers would kill for. So, what’s the real story here?
Personally, I think this speaks to the impossible standards we’ve set for Pixar. The studio has spoiled us with perfection for decades. Toy Story 2 and the original Toy Story both sit at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes—a benchmark so absurdly high that anything less feels like a misstep. But if you take a step back and think about it, a 93% is still a triumph. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights our cultural obsession with rankings and comparisons. Are we so conditioned to expect flawless sequels that even a slight dip feels like failure?
Aging, Technology, and the Toy Box
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s themes. Toy Story 5 tackles aging and the impact of technology on play—two topics that feel both timely and deeply personal. Woody’s bald spot and growing stomach aren’t just jokes; they’re a mirror to our own fears of obsolescence. And the tablet as an antagonist? That’s a detail I find especially interesting. It’s not just a villain; it’s a symbol of a cultural shift. What this really suggests is that Pixar is still trying to hold up a mirror to society, even if the reflection isn’t as sharp as it once was.
From my perspective, the criticism that the film lacks a meaningful conclusion on these themes is fair. But it also raises a deeper question: Do we expect children’s movies to solve complex societal issues? Or is it enough to start the conversation? I’d argue the latter. What many people don’t realize is that Pixar’s strength has always been in asking questions, not providing answers.
The Pixar Paradox
Here’s where things get intriguing. Toy Story 5 is still outperforming most movies at the box office, and 93% of critics liked it. So, why does it feel like a letdown? In my opinion, it’s because Pixar has become a victim of its own success. When you’ve created masterpieces like Coco (97%) and Soul (95%), anything less than extraordinary feels mediocre. But if you ask me, this is less about Toy Story 5 failing and more about us failing to appreciate nuance.
A critic calling it a ‘reheated lunch’ compared to Hoppers is a bit harsh, but it’s also revealing. We’re in an era where originality is prized above all else, and franchises like Toy Story are inherently at a disadvantage. What this really suggests is that we’re judging sequels by a different standard than standalone films. And that’s a trend worth examining.
The Audience Factor
Audience scores aren’t in yet, but I’m willing to bet they’ll be lower than critics’. Why? Because audiences are fickle. They’re not just judging the film; they’re judging it against their nostalgia. Toy Story isn’t just a movie—it’s a piece of childhood. And when you mess with that, you’re playing with fire.
But here’s the thing: nostalgia is a double-edged sword. It can elevate a film, but it can also blind us to its flaws. Personally, I think Toy Story 5 is a victim of its own legacy. It’s trying to balance innovation with familiarity, and that’s a tightrope walk even the best filmmakers struggle with.
The Bigger Picture
If you take a step back and think about it, Toy Story 5 is a microcosm of a larger trend in Hollywood. Sequels are harder to pull off than ever because audiences demand both continuity and freshness. It’s an impossible ask, and yet, studios keep trying. What this really suggests is that we’re in a creative crisis—one where originality is prized but risk is punished.
From my perspective, the real tragedy isn’t that Toy Story 5 got a 93%. It’s that we’ve lost the ability to appreciate a good film for what it is, rather than what it isn’t. In a world where everything is ranked and compared, maybe it’s time to ask: Are we still capable of just enjoying the ride?
Final Thoughts
Toy Story 5 isn’t perfect, but then again, neither are we. It’s a film that dares to ask hard questions about aging, technology, and the nature of play—even if it doesn’t always answer them. Personally, I think that’s enough. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it forces us to confront our own expectations. Are we judging it as a film, or as a sequel? As a piece of art, or as a piece of our past?
In the end, maybe the real record Toy Story 5 set isn’t about its Rotten Tomatoes score. Maybe it’s about reminding us that even the best franchises can’t stay perfect forever. And maybe, just maybe, that’s okay.
