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‘Toy Story 5’: Best of the Bunch With the Most Important Message
The nutshell premise concerns our No. 1 societal and cultural malaise—tech is usurping children’s imaginations. “Toy Story 5” addresses this problem winningly.
(L–R) Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) look at Bonnie's tablet in "Toy Story 5." Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
In terms of message, “Toy Story 5” might be the best of the franchise. It addresses all the concerns raised in “Toy Story 4” and is a remarkably relevant movie. Honest, reflective, and quite chuckle-worthy—it’s the summer of 2026 kid-blockbuster.
Mark Jackson is the senior film critic for The Epoch Times and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is featured in the book "How to Be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to films, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, rock-climbing, qigong, martial arts, and human rights activism.
