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LINDSAY MAST, HOST: Today is Friday, June 19th.

Thank you for turning to WORLD Radio to help start your day.

Good morning. I’m Lindsay Mast.

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: And I’m Myrna Brown.

Coming next on The World and Everything in It: Pixar returns to the story that started it all.

MAST: That’s right. This weekend the latest Toy Story movie opens in theaters. And in this one, the toys are confronting a new threat vying for their kid’s attention. Technology.

Here’s WORLD’s arts and culture editor Collin Garbarino with his thoughts on Toy Story 5.

COLLIN GARBARINO: Pixar’s Toy Story has proved to be one of Hollywood’s most reliable franchises. But the studio has been in the doldrums lately, so it’s no surprise it decided to bring out a fifth installment. Each of the previous four movies has enjoyed solid box office returns. And audiences love the films. I mean, personally, I think No. 3 should have been the last. It’s my favorite in the series, and I didn’t need to see Woody walk away from his faith at the end of Toy Story 4. But I acknowledge most fans enjoyed seeing these familiar characters dealing with familiar problems again.

HAMM: So what’s going on?

TRIXIE: Slink. Talk to me.

SLINKY DOG: I hear a lot of commotion.

MR. POTATO HEAD: I bet they’re arguing over getting rid of us.

REX: Are we getting donated?

And for folks who want to go through the familiar story all over again, I’m happy to report Pixar didn’t drop the ball with Toy Story 5. It’s certainly not as good as 3. But it’s miles better than 4.

In this film, the toys are once again living in fear that they’re becoming obsolete and that playtime might be coming to an end. How’s that possible? Bonnie, the little girl who owns them, is only eight!

A new threat has invaded the home, disrupting Bonnie’s creative play. Bonnie gets a tablet computer called Lily Pad. The glowing screen promises to connect Bonnie with her peers and provide endless hours of educational fun. The toys, led by Sheriff Jessie, want to nip Bonnie’s reliance on technology in the bud.

JESSIE: I’m going to have some words with this Lily Pad and let her know how things are run around here.

BUZZ: Try to stay calm, Jessie.

JESSOE: Buzz, you know me. I’m the definition of calm.

BUZZ: That’s not gonna work.

Jessie, the vintage cowgirl doll, and Lily Pad, the slick new piece of technology, represent different generational outlooks and strategies. Both want the same thing: For Bonnie to make some friends her own age and for her to be happy. Jessie and the gang are putting in the hard work of playtime. Lily Pad coolly approaches the problem with a swipe and a click.

JESSIE: Look here. Me and the toys have been workin’ all summer to try and get Bonnie to make friends with the Jordan twins across the street…

LILY PAD: Uh huh.

JESSIE: But then you…

LILY PAD: Got it.

JESSIE: had to ruin it with all your stupid… You’re not even listening to me!

LILY PAD: No. I was listening. I’m always listening. See? “Now look here. Me and the toys have been workin’ all summer to try and get Bonnie to make friends with the Jordan twins.”

When things get tough for Jessie, she reaches out to her old pal Woody for advice. And he’s eager to return to Bonnie’s bedroom to help set things straight.

BUZZ: Halt! Who goes there?

WOODY: Whoah, whoah, whoah! Sorry. My name is Woody. I come in peace. I used to live here.

BUZZ: Oh, right. It’s been too long, cowboy.

Even though Woody returns, this movie belongs to Jessie. She’s the one who must struggle with the perennial problem of being a toy that’s left behind… both physically and emotionally. It’s through her eyes that we’re reminded of the transient nature of our human relationships… whether it’s friendship or parenthood. Just like all the other Toy Story movies, this one includes the obligatory tear-jerker moment. And, as always, the Buzz and Woody rivalry plays a prominent role.

WOODY: You gotta stay here. I’m going with them.

BUZZ: Why? Why just you?

WOODY: I just have more field experience than you. That is all.

BUZZ: You don’t think I can do it.

WOODY: No. I just think I can do it a little bit… better.

Kids and their screentime is part of this movie, but the film is really about a family dealing with peer pressure—both the parents and the child. Seeing Bonnie’s parents wrestle with whether to give her an internet-connected screen will likely resonate with many adults. They don’t necessarily want her to have a Lily Pad, but they’re worried she’s being left out because she can’t text with friends. Pixar’s approach is pretty nuanced when it comes to tech, probably because Disney has plenty of tech it wants to sell to our kids. Instead of condemning tech geared for kids, Toy Story 5 shifts the question to whether it’s helping kids develop the right kinds of friendships.

The story is enjoyable, but parents ought to know the film is rated PG for some rude humor. I was surprised Pixar stooped to potty humor, but I will admit it’s more clever than the kind that’s in most kids movies. Also, just because Woody returns, don’t get your hopes up that he’ll stay. He remains an apostate, once again abandoning his friends and his kid.

MR. POTATO HEAD: It’s good to see them fighting again.

SLINKY DOG: It sure is.

I’m Collin Garbarino.

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