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Movie Review

Toy Story 5 proves that Pixar's toy box still holds some surprises

Alex Bentley
Jun 18, 2026 | 3:30 pm
Bullseye, Jessie, Atlas, Smarty Pants, and Snappy in Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5

Bullseye, Jessie, Atlas, Smarty Pants, and Snappy in Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5.

Photo courtesy of Pixar

For fans of Pixar, the idea that it’s been over 30 years since the original Toy Story came out is a little mind-boggling. While the animation studio has had varying degrees of success with their other properties, they’ve always managed to make something special with each installment of their signature franchise. They’re now rolling the dice yet again with Toy Story 5.

The story is mainly focused on cowgirl toy Jessie (Joan Cusack), who — along with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Forky (Tony Hale), and others — is concerned that new owner Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is falling prey to the scourge of technology in the form of the tablet Lilypad (Greta Lee). They’re worried that the “friends” she makes through games online pale in comparison to those she could play with in person.

Woody (Tom Hanks) and Bo Peep (Annie Potts), living an on-the-go lifestyle but still in touch with the main group, come to help when Jessie goes missing while trying to help Bonnie. And — just because — a large group of new-and-improved Buzz Lightyears that have fallen out of a shipping container that has crashed on an island go on a mission that puts them on course to meet up with everyone else.

Written and directed by McKenna Harris and Andrew Stanton, the film is a mixed bag, mostly because of the disjointed nature of the story. When the group was separated in previous films, things rarely felt out of sync as everybody was still heading toward the same goal. But the different factions in this film seem to be after something different, especially the wholly superfluous addition of the fancy Buzz Lightyears, whose ultimate purpose doesn’t live up to the time dedicated to them.

There’s no way around it: While Jessie is a good character and has a lot of great moments in this film, the relationship aspect of the series is not as strong this time around. She mostly spends time with her mute horse Bullseye, but even when she interacts with new characters like Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), that ineffable magic is not there. Woody and Buzz have scenes together, but since they’re secondary to the main story, they don’t add as much to this film as they have in others.

However, even if the film can’t live up to the first four movies, it still makes for a fun time. The storyline about technology turning kids (and adults, for that matter) into zombies is a strong one, and the way they incorporate different devices is clever. The large number of characters is unwieldy, but when the filmmakers truly dig down to the personal lives of certain toys or humans, the film is as effective as Pixar has ever been.

Cusack, Hanks, Allen, and other returning voices are so attuned to their respective characters that you know they’ll deliver each line perfectly. People like Lee, O’Brien, and Craig Robinson are welcome additions to the group, but it’s tough to get used to new voices taking over for actors who’ve passed like Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, and Carl Weathers.

The pitch-perfect ending of Toy Story 3 made the idea of Pixar making Toy Story 4 seem strange, but then that film proved the studio knew what it was doing. While Toy Story 5 is not a disaster, it’s not to the standard set by the previous films. It should finally be time to put the franchise to bed, knowing that the toys have given all the joy they can give.

---

Toy Story 5 opens in theaters on June 19.

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weekend event planner

Here are the top 16 things to do in Houston this weekend

Craig Lindsey
Jun 17, 2026 | 6:30 pm
A$AP Rocky
Photo by @pleckham
A$AP Rocky in concert

This weekend, people will either be celebrating Juneteenth, or hanging out with their dads. There will also be those who will use the opportunity to do both. (You know there are some Juneteenth Father’s Day brunches happening ‘round here.)

Anyway, we have some early Juneteenth popping off before the big day, along with some events celebrating International Yoga Day, Make Music Day, and the two-year anniversary of ARTECHOUSE Houston.

And, if we missed anything, as a visiting comedian would say, we’re sorry.

Thursday, June 18

Acres Home Chamber Juneteenth Farm-to-Table Brunch
This Juneteenth, the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development will honor Black American farmers, growers, and artisans through food, community, and storytelling. The Chamber's Farm-to-Table Juneteenth Brunch will feature ingredients sourced directly from local farmers market vendors. Diners can enjoy a seasonal meal prepared with fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients while learning more about the importance of food access, community agriculture, and economic empowerment in Acres Home. 11 am.

BLD PWR Day + Juneteenth Weekend 2026
BLD PWR is activating BLD PWR Day + Juneteenth Weekend 2026, three powerful days of culture, community and celebration going down at Houston-rooted cultural hub The SLAB. Things kick off on Thursday with BLD PWR Day, where director Boots Riley will host a screening of his new film I Love Boosters. The next day is the Juneteenth celebration, featuring a livestream activation with Boosters star Keke Palmer. It all ends on Sunday with a WAGBT Karaoke/The Session R&B Jam. 3 pm (11 am Saturday; 7 pm Sunday).

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston presents Once Upon My Mother
The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston will host a screening of Once Upon My Mother, the Audience Choice Feature Film winner at this year’s Houston Jewish Film Festival, as part of its Summer Film Series. Inspired by Roland Perez’s bestselling memoir, the French-language film tells the moving story of a devoted mother who refuses to accept the limitations placed on her son after he is born with a disability. 7:30 pm.

Friday, June 19

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes Tour
The famously clean comic, actor, and Emmy Awards host (and UFC fan) comes to Houston, as part of his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour. He’ll be at Toyota Center on both Thursday and Friday nights. 7 pm.

Houston Broadway Theatre presents Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a sweeping musical (and adaptation of the 1996 Disney-animated feature) from Disney's legendary composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked). Based on Victor Hugo's gothic masterpiece and featuring the film's Academy Award-nominated score plus new songs, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a breathtaking tale of love, acceptance, redemption, and hope even in the darkest of times. 7:30 pm (2 & 8 pm Saturday; 1 & 7 pm Sunday).

Houston Symphony presents The Music of Queen
On Friday and Saturday, celebrate one of the greatest bands of all time with this high-energy concert, featuring hit after iconic hit. Backed by the sonic power of the full Houston Symphony, vocalist MiG Ayesa channels Freddie Mercury’s signature sound for an evening of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. Let’s hope they play “Another One Bites the Dust” and we can get our disco on in the aisles. 7:30 pm.

Performing Arts Houston presents Riverdance 30: The New Generation
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish/international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Riverdance will present a production that rejuvenates the original show with new choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection, and motion graphics. And, for the first time, Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday: 1 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, June 20

The Cards & More Tour
This nationally traveling expo series brings together collectors, fans, and vendors from across the world of sports cards, Pokémon, comics, anime, memorabilia, and more. It's a free, family-friendly event filled with live entertainment, food trucks, vendor trade parties, raffle giveaways, and more. Both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers will find plenty to enjoy. 10 am (10 am Sunday).

BEWM Coffee presents BRIKS Loves You Canvas Series Drop 006 Launch Party
Austin-based coffee distributor BEWM Coffee will celebrate the launch of its Canvas Series Drop 006, featuring artwork by Houston artist BRIKS Loves You. They’ll be taking over Brasil Café with fresh brewed coffee, exclusive collectibles, giveaways, sticker trading, and plenty of good conversation. Come meet BRIKS, grab the new limited-edition release, and hang out with fellow artists, collectors, coffee lovers, and sticker heads. 9:30 am.

ARTECHOUSE Houston Two-Year Anniversary Weekend featuring Beyond the Light
ARTECHOUSE Houston marks its two-year anniversary with the return of Beyond the Light, one of its most beloved exhibitions. With the universe as its backdrop, this two-day exhibition highlights the importance of light in our pursuit of knowledge, and the evolution of technology that allows us to discover beyond our own experiences. For this special anniversary weekend, Beyond the Light will give longtime fans and first-time visitors the opportunity to experience the exhibition that introduced H-Town to ARTECHOUSE. 10 am.

Hotel Saint Augustine presents Summer Solstice with Vave’ao
Hotel Saint Augustine will host a Polynesian-inspired Summer Solstice Pool Party, in partnership with soon-to-debut beauty brand Vave’ao. Going down at the Saint Augustine Pool, this high-energy, sun-soaked poolside escape featuring traditional lei greetings, live performances, curated tropical bites, and an exclusive first look at a new beauty collection. Tickets for the 21+ event will include pool access and one signature cocktail. 5 pm.

Consulate General of India, Houston presents 12th International Day of Yoga 2026
The Consulate General of India, Houston will be hosting their International Day of Yoga event at Midtown Park, for a public gathering of yoga, peace and mindfulness. The celebration will continue at George Bush Park with a yoga session and 5K walk. All of these events are free and open to the public and everyone is welcome to come practice, from long-time practitioners, first-timers, elders, families and kids. 6 pm. (7 am Sunday).

A$AP Rocky in concert
The rapper/actor's 42-city, Don’t Be Dumb World Tour makes its stop in Houston this weekend. Named for his first full-length album in eight years, the rapper is coming off strong acting performances in Highest 2 Lowest and If I Had Legs I'd Kick You as well as a high-energy appearance on Saturday Night Live. He also served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala. 8:30 pm.

A$AP Rocky
Photo by @pleckham

A$AP Rocky in concert.

Sunday, June 21

Fresh Arts presents Make Music Day Houston
Houston comes alive with sound as Make Music Day Houston returns for a citywide celebration led by Fresh Arts. Part of a global event spanning 120 countries, this year’s festivities embrace the spirit of the FIFA World Cup with world-inspired music, community pride and the unifying energy of sport. Falling on Father’s Day, the event also features family-friendly, all-ages performances and interactive experiences. Noon.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Hew Locke: "Passages" opening day
Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke combines found materials and imagery to create theatrical tableaux that address iconographies of empire, history and collective memory. Starting this weekend, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will present the most comprehensive survey to date devoted to the work of this artist. Spanning the 1990s through to the present, "Passages" showcases the spectrum of Locke’s practice, with over 40 pieces that examine the histories of colonialism across five continents. Through Sunday, September 13. 12.30 pm.

Czech That Film Texas presents iDENTITY: A Czech Graphic Design Love Story
Auctioneer/Czech-American Nicholas Lowry travels from New York to Prague to explore what has shaped and defined Czech national identity. His journey across the Czech Republic takes him to iconic landmarks of graphic design, including Zlín, Litomyšl, Brno, and Plzeň. Through uncovering Czech identity, Nicholas also gains a deeper connection to his own roots—his great-uncle founded the Primeros factory in Prague, which played a significant role in the history of Czech graphic design. 7:15 pm.

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