Five Meaningful Themes from “Toy Story 5” (It’s Not Just For Kids!)

Have you seen Toy Story 5 yet? If not, please go to the theatre and see it. We recently went because my husband loves the entire Toy Story series, as do my grandchildren. It was an unbearably hot day, so spending an afternoon in the cool theater eating buttery popcorn was appealing. What I didn’t expect was to be moved to tears a few times. Toy Story 5 is not just for kids!

As you might expect, all the favorite characters, Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye, and all their friends, make appearances. The storyline centers around Bonnie, a shy, quiet girl who first appeared in Toy Story 3 as the four-year-old recipient of Andy’s toys when he goes to college. In Toy Story 5, Bonnie is still shy and quiet, with a vivid imagination, but now she is an 8-year-old struggling to make friends. All the other kids in the neighborhood are addicted to their devices and laugh at Bonnie for playing with her childish toys. Bonnie’s parents, worried that she isn’t fitting in, buy her a Lilypad, her first electronic device.

Without giving away spoilers, I’ll skip to the five dominant themes I observed while watching Toy Story 5.

1. Moderation

Technology isn’t all bad, but it should be used in moderation. It’s all too easy to lock into a screen and forget the importance of human connection. It’s an important lesson for both children and adults.

2. Imagination

It’s OK for kids to be bored occasionally. Unstructured time spent without screens can lead to creativity and imaginary play.

3. Friendship

Sometimes it’s hard to find a person who is the right fit, someone you click with and share a mutual friendship. Don’t give up or change yourself to fit in.

4. Legacy

I was reminded of the saying, “People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” They’re all important and impact us in some way. Every friendship, even if they don’t last forever, becomes a part of who we are. On a totally selfish note, it made me think of my relationship with my grandchildren. I hope we’ve created enough memories and a strong enough bond that they will always carry a piece of us in their heart, long after we’re gone.

5. Belonging and purpose

As Jessie struggles to adapt to new circumstances, she wonders about where she fits in and what her purpose is in life. It’s rare for anyone, no matter their age, not to have occasionally dealt with those emotions. The toys go through an identity crisis, wondering if they have become obsolete, an existential crisis that resonates with me and many in my peer group.

Discussing friendship

On the way home, we discussed the movie with our five-year-old granddaughter, Sylvia, who is very interested in friendships. She’s thought a lot about friendships lately because the best friend she made last year in pre-Kindergarten moved away, but she gave her a “best friends forever” necklace before she left. Sylvia asked me, “Did you know there are friendship birthdays?” I asked her to explain. She said, “When two friends meet for the first time, a new version that’s a combination of both people is made. On that very day the friends meet, it becomes their friendship birthday.” I thought that was a unique perspective. I thought a lot about relationships during the movie, because whether it’s animated children’s movie characters, kids at school and in the neighborhood, or adults navigating relationships, being a good friend is one of the most essential skills in life.

I empathized with Bonnie’s parents as they attempted to help their daughter find a way to make a friend. They hoped that getting her a tablet would help her feel more accepted and assist Bonnie in making connections. It led to some unwanted consequences that are all too real on the internet. As a parent, it’s painful to see your child struggle, and it’s not always obvious how, or even whether, we can help them find friends who are the right fit for them.

If you go to see Toy Story 5, stay until all the credits have rolled because there is a bonus scene. There is also a quote that made me think about my parents and friends who have died. Yes, I cried. It read, “To all the people past and present — you made a difference.” Whether you are aware of it or not, you’re making a difference to someone.