Joan Cusack is back to voice Jessie the yodeling cowgirl in Toy Story 5, but her return can't rescue the film from feeling like a cash grab.
According to Rolling Stone's review, the latest chapter of the franchise is essentially a "reunion tour" designed to extract nostalgia from devoted fans. Cusack has been largely absent from screens since her brief stint on the streaming show Homecoming, having spent the last six years living a "normal life in Chicago." Her involvement is the film's strongest asset, but it can't address the core issue: the film shouldn't exist.
Jessie finally takes centre stage as the alpha toy in Bonnie's collection. But Bonnie is now nine years old, introverted, and desperate to connect with the neighbourhood twins. Enter the "LilyPad"—the Toy Story universe's answer to screen addiction, voiced by Greta Lee.
The premise is straightforward: anxious parents gift Bonnie the LilyPad, and the entire toy-dependent narrative collapses. "The age of toys is over!" one character screams as the beloved characters face oblivion in the garage.
Cusack told red-carpet reporters at the film's premiere that she has been cherishing her years away from the spotlight. One wonders if she regrets leaving Chicago.
Fans and critics are questioning why Pixar felt compelled to resurrect this franchise again. Some franchises are better left untouched. Toy Story 5 is a reminder why.
