Fresh buzz from the Los Angeles premiere of Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” has critics and podcasters raving online—especially about Jessie’s spotlight, the film’s emotional punch, and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You.” The movie heads to theaters on June 19.
The Los Angeles premiere of “Toy Story 5” kicked off Tuesday evening, and the reactions landed fast—equal parts delight and tears.
Some of the loudest early praise came from Drew Taylor, who posted on X on Tuesday night: “Toy Story 5 is an absolute home run and further proof that this is the greatest animated film franchise ever — surprising, heartfelt, dynamic and so, so fun. May these movies never cease.”
Variety’s Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay was just as effusive. calling the fifth installment “magical and pure perfection.” She added. “It is a fantastic entry into the franchise. ” and singled out Jessie’s character arc: “Jessie finally gets the story she deserves!. It’s emotional, funny, genuinely warm, and perfect in every way. Loved the new addition of characters. I laughed and cried at how marvelous Toy Story 5 is. Taylor Swift’s song is perfect. Kudos to Bob Pauley and his world-building and animation. 10/10 no notes.”.
The enthusiasm wasn’t limited to industry editors. “The Movie Podcast” host Shahbaz Siddiqui pointed to Swift’s new “Toy Story 5” anthem, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” telling followers that the track “hits hard” in the film.
For viewers concerned about an “anti-tech” message at the center of the story, Andrew J. Salazar pushed back—insisting the plot is “much more nuanced than expected.” He added, “Moreover, it takes a hard stance on one-on-one human connection being key for children.”
A wave of other reactions emphasized both the emotional core and the franchise’s freshness. Daniel Baptista said the film is “a thoughtful look at the balance between tech and toys. ” praising Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants as stealing scenes. Meredith Loftus described being “in a puddle of tears” after the movie’s Jessie-led exploration of the divide between technology and toys. placing it alongside “Toy Story 2 & 3.”.
Several people also leaned into the idea that the new story re-centers childhood imagination. Justin Lawrence, who said he had “only seen the first half,” wrote that “imagination still matters,” and pointed to the film’s focus on Bonnie and Jessie as a “fresh angle on childhood.”
Not everyone reacted only through the lens of theme, either. Clayton Davis said he’d already been told to expect trouble for kids’ tablets. while praising Joan Cusack’s voice work and calling the film “timely and surprisingly sharp.” Borys Kit echoed the real-time feeling of the premiere crowd. tweeting: “As Toy Story 5 began. the lady behind me turned to her friend. ‘You’re crying already?’ ‘Yup!’ her friend replied.”.
The shared thread in the first wave of praise is clear: Jessie’s expanded role, the blend of humor with real emotional weight, and the way Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” is being singled out as a standout moment.
“Toy Story 5,” which stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and more, hits theaters on June 19.
Toy Story 5 Pixar Los Angeles premiere Jessie Taylor Swift I Knew It I Knew You Tom Hanks Tim Allen Joan Cusack Conan O’Brien Smarty Pants June 19 release