Toy Story

I know a lot of folks have already chimed in with their reviews and thoughts on the latest installment of the Toy Story franchise, but you’re just going to have to hear mine too!

I am not a huge TV person and never have been. As a kid growing up in the 90s, all I wanted to watch was music videos as I dreamed of one day producing them myself. Fast forward to now as a mother. My family loves movies and TV shows. I thought, “What the heck,” let’s go support our local non-profit theater and watch Toy Story 5 (I don’t even think I’ve watched beyond the first as I was utterly shocked to see the 5 in the title.) So we went and spent at least a half of what it would have been at a name brand theater.

I had read briefly about the movie being about children on screens so I assumed there would be a little about that in the movie. I apparently did not read the entire review as I was surprised to realize that the whole movie revolved around the use of technology.

Was the movie good? Heck yeah! I appreciated the gentleness with which it was implied that there can be balance between the analog and digital world. I also appreciate that the real message was for parents who are urging their children to grow up too fast but allowing them unfettered access to technology. The movie was challenging to watch at times as my heart broke for children that have succumbed to the endless scrolling, games, and “peer connection.”

If we can learn anything from film take this one to heart, technology is a valuable tool but it cannot replace human connection. It is not black and white with technology, meaning it’s not good or bad. Like most things in life, moderation is important.