Toy Story 5: Initial Thoughts
I went to see Toy Story 5.
For now, I'd like to summarize my initial impressions and thoughts.
I'll try to keep this spoiler-free.
I'll write this without spoilers.
Read it with a relaxed mind!
First, if I had to describe my impression of the movie in one phrase,
it would be "a very happy time."
I felt happy the entire time I was watching it.
The fifth installment of the Toy Story series
that I've been familiar with for so long.
New stories featuring the familiar characters
continue for 102 minutes.
As for the content,
I think it's something you can watch with peace of mind!
The reason is,
and I think many people share this sentiment,
I didn't have a very good impression of Toy Story 4.
I was bewildered by Woody's bold decision
when I first saw it, and
even now... while I understand the logic, honestly,
I still feel a bit
of sadness about it.
But in 5, Woody is
at any rate,
adventuring with everyone again!
That made me so, so happy!
Elements that deepen the understanding of past works
are also wonderful.
5 mainly unfolds with Jessie at the center,
and there is a depiction
that somewhat heals Jessie's wounds.
That was lovely.
Even after finishing the movie,
I find myself thinking
about Jessie and Emily.
And the main theme of this work is
how to deal with digital technology.
"Lilypad," who came to Bonnie's house.
The characterization of Lilypad-chan was also
quite interesting.
She appears as a villain-like figure who threatens the existence of toys, but
like the toys, she is also
"I love Bonnie, I'm always on Bonnie's side"
overflowing with that kind of affection.
It's just that the direction of it is uniquely digital.
Since she is a "device," she is sharp-witted and
speaks cheekily to the toys, but
rather than arrogance or selfishness,
that's just her form of affection.
There were scenes where you could feel
that she has a strong sense of responsibility
and is a very serious girl.
You can't hate her, Lilypad-chan. lol
It happens every time I watch Toy Story,
but I start to cherish the things I have at hand even more.
I am an adult, but
I have many stuffed animals at home.
Not only those,
but even the smartphone I'm using to type this right now
might,
perhaps, be my own Lilypad-chan.
We can't be direct friends, but... no,
precisely because we can't,
maybe they are always doing their best
to be on my side like that?
If so, I want to cherish these little ones
just as much with all my might!
I feel like that sentiment
makes up the majority of the
calm and happy feeling I have after watching Toy Story.
In terms of the feel of 5, it might have been
closer to the original or 2.
Though it is in a much gentler and calmer direction.
3 was very dramatic and theatrical,
and that has something a bit special about it.
4 is also, as mentioned before, special in a different way.
5 might not have had such big ups and downs,
but it has a feeling where the lingering emotions spread out.
As for the level of emotional impact,
there isn't one scene that stands out as "this is where you'll cry!"
but it was a gentle emotion
that kept me feeling warm and teary-eyed throughout.
The ending song sung by Taylor Swift,
"I Know It, I Knew You" was also great!
For an ending that mainly makes you think of Jessie,
a country-style song that feels like a return to the roots
of Taylor, who has an American image, was the perfect combination.
Of course, since it's a Pixar film,
there are plenty of reliable gags too!
It's not just a movie full of emotional moments,
it's genuinely super fun!!
The melon soda and popcorn
were also delicious and went well with it. lol
Since this was my first time,
I watched the dubbed version for clarity, but
I'd like to watch the subtitled version
to understand the original nuances better.
If I come up with any deep analysis later,
I'll write an article about it then.
Toy Story 5 is the best!!
Thanks for reading!
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