Joan Cusack tells us about saddling up for 'Toy Story 5,' the heartwarming message behind the sequel, and how Taylor Swift added some "unbelievable" sparkle! ✨
Just finished watching #ToyStory5 and I can’t stop sobbing. It was beyond amazing. My favorite franchise of all time. I love everything about it. I missed buzz and woody’s banter, I missed Jessie and bullseye and all the toys. I was so emotional. This movie proved me why it’s #1.
Just watched Toy Story 5. Initial thoughts:
At its core, the film reminded me of one thing I’ve come to forget over the years: that I mattered. That the time I’d spent with the people who loved me back might have been short—but at some point in time, we existed, and that’s more than enough. That’s more than enough for me to move forward, to grow, to try again (and keep trying despite of). That the time we’d spent with our own Emily’s might have been brief and had always felt so fleeting, yet we’d surely have made a mark on those who had looked hard enough to truly see us.
And that we may find solace in knowing that it wasn’t all for nothing—that all the love and parts of ourselves we’d given didn’t disappear into oblivion just because our shared time had ended. Because, if anything, these are the mementos that would one day remind us of our capacity to love again and be loved back and make someone else happy, if only for a short while. That the past need not be a cell inside which we imprison ourselves, but rather proof of the light and warmth we can emit. And that we must live for the hope of it all—that someday, we will be found again.
#ToyStory5 proves there’s still plenty of life left in Pixar’s beloved franchise. By putting Jessie at the center of the story, the film finds a fresh perspective while staying true to the characters audiences have loved for decades.
The toys vs technology conflict could have easily been simplistic, but co-directors Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris approach it with more nuance than expected. Exploring how modern childhood is changing without losing sight of the value of imagination and human connection.
There’s plenty of humor throughout, including some unexpectedly adult jokes courtesy of Conan O’Brien’s scene-stealing new character, Smarty Pants. At the same time, the film delivers the heart and emotion fans have come to expect from the series. While a few characters take more of a backseat this time around, Jessie’s larger role helps give this sequel a distinct identity. Reminding us why these characters continue to resonate generation after generation. And yes — you may want to keep some tissues nearby.
Joan Cusack says she’s become more selective about the roles she takes on because “it’s great to live your life, raise your kids and be a normal person in Chicago.” #ToyStory5