In ‘Toy Story 5’ Jessie shows us that, sometimes, your friends can be right in front of your face

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SALT LAKE CITY — At least this time we get 20 minutes into the film before Pixar pulls the waterworks from our eyes. “Toy Story 5” was something I did not think we needed after TS4 ended so nicely, but I was wrong. I usually ask myself after I see a film, “Was this film necessary?” I get what you’re probably thinking: “Is any film necessary?” No, it’s all for entertainment — but when you have a franchise like this, I believe that question is reasonable.

I brought my husband, who is in his 40s, to this film. Well, I made him come with me — and he laughed, smiled, and even teared up through the film. I know I just called him out, but it proved my point. When a film surpasses generations, it is necessary.

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In this Toy Story, Jessie gets the spotlight. She is the deputy and in charge of Bonnie’s happiness amongst the toys. Just like other Toy Story movies, the toys are nervous about the new toy being introduced to Bonnie’s life.

The new toy is Lily Pad, a smart tablet — the toy every kid has. It is also how kids communicate and connect in real time. Bonnie is still a kid who plays with toys and starts questioning if what she likes to do is cool enough for the other kids. She wants to fit in.

Kids and adults can relate to the story of Bonnie and her parents in this situation. You want your kids to socialize and make friends, but at what cost?

When Lily Pad is introduced to the rest of the toys, she is fast-paced and really has no need for the other toys. Of course this unnerves Jessie, as she believes she knows what is best for Bonnie and her happiness. Lily Pad believes she knows what is best, and a rivalry begins.

In the meantime, we get introduced to more new toys, most of our favorite’s return, and Buzz gets an entire side adventure that pays off in the end. I do not want to give too much away, because the moments in this movie are funny, exciting, nostalgic, and very relatable. I want you to discover them as I did.

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I also want to mention how much the animation tells the story in a way that sets this film apart from the others. You will experience the classic CGI digital animation you know and love from the other films, but there is also a whimsical hand-painted pastel style that really brings the playfulness of Bonnie’s imagination to life. It is something special.

As Jessie and Bonnie are going through these changes and trying to figure out where they fit, they realize it is ok to ask for help and that sometimes our friends are right in front of our faces. Change is scary but can be very rewarding, and love comes in many forms. I don’t know of any generation that would not feel something positive about this film. Any age, any sex, parents, kids, and adults that have been kids — so all of us, haha. This movie should not be missed.

“Toy Story 5” (A+) Rated PG for thematic elements, rude humor. Directed by Andrew Stanton; Co-Directed by McKenna Harris. Written by Andrew Stanton & McKenna Harris. Produced by Lindsey Collins, Jessica Choi. Music by Randy Newman. Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, Craig Robinson, Tony Hale, Keanu Reeves, Shelby Rabara, Ernie Hudson, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Bergman, Anna Vocino, Bad Bunny, Alan Cumming, Blake Clark, Matty Matheson, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Melissa Villaseñor, John Hopkins, Scarlett Spears. Studio: Pixar Animation Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Runtime: 102 minutes

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