In 1995, when the original Toy Story debuted, Google was non-existent and Apple faced near bankruptcy. It was unimaginable then that Pixar would continue the Toy Story saga over thirty years later, or that its newest installment would feature Buzz Lightyear and a balding Woody battling an ominous AI tablet named Lilypad.
Nevertheless, Toy Story 5 indeed places classic characters such as Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, and Slinky Dog in opposition to the menacing presence of technology.
The preview reveals Bonnie, the little girl who received Andy’s toys in Toy Story 2 after he departed for college, engaging with her toys outdoors. This scene is interrupted by the arrival of a surprise package containing the Lilypad tablet. She quickly becomes utterly absorbed by the device, ignoring her parents’ announcement that screen time has concluded.
The Toy Story 5 preview portrays the Lilypad — or Lily — as a malevolent antagonist. When Jessie addresses the tablet concerning Bonnie’s welfare, Lily appears unresponsive, prompting the cowgirl to insist on its attention.
“I’m always listening,” Lily declares ominously, repeating Jessie’s fervent speech in a robotic voice, then translating it to Spanish.
“Technology has infiltrated our home,” Jessie confides in Woody. “I’m losing Bonnie to this gadget.”
Woody responds, “Toys are for play, but technology serves all purposes.”
Is it possible for Toy Story 5 to resonate with young viewers and encourage them to reconsider the impact of excessive screen use? This might be an ambitious goal. However, it does offer an alternative viewing experience that is less dull than Cocomelon.