I went back last week and re-watched the first four Toy Story movies in preparation for Toy Story 5. This franchise has a special place in my heart due to what was happening personally in my own life. Let’s go down memory lane and talk about it.
Toy Story came out in the winter of 1995. I was in love with a girl that was recently separated from her husband, with two little kids, a boy and a girl. I had no idea what being a parent meant. We bonded over Woody and Buzz, and Christmas shopping for these toys was joyful, maniac madness. Hearing though about how the young boy was overjoyed getting a Woody and Buzz doll still brings a tear to my eye.
In 1999 Toy Story 2 was released. The girl and I had just got back together after a year long break. In that time she had a baby with another man (not her Ex). We had wanted a child, and so when we got back together and moved in the baby was six months old. It felt like my own child, and we actually had a family. I fell right into the Dad role with no complaints. We all loved this movie ,and raising a small child that was experiencing all the goodness, wonder and charm of the Toy Story characters was heartwarming. Jessie’s story of abandonment hit home for me, and I truly wanted to give these kids a safe home to grow up in, so that they never felt that way….
Toy Story 3 came out in 2010. I was single, and hadn’t heard from the girl or the kids for a few years. My career was finally doing well, but it was lonely. I had friends and was traveling the world, but I would come home and put this movie on, and cry every time the toys are hugging each other in the incinerator. The abandonment I never wanted to happen was now guilt that was eating away at me. However, I always felt better after watching. At least the toys were still there for me. I hoped that they were still there for them as well.
In 2019 Toy Story 4 was released. It had now been over 15 years since I’d seen the girl or the kids. my life was completely different. I felt successful, well traveled, and happy with life. I’d been in Arizona for a few years at this point. I get a message from the daughter of the girl to let me know that her Mom had died from drinking and pills. She let’s me know that she misses me and wonders if I can come to the funeral. I would have, but I lived in a different State. When I finally watched this movie, the character Forky had me in stitches. I know that she would have loved him too. Trash, trash, trash.
Which brings me to Toy Story 5, now in theaters. I go to the theater alone, as usual, but love that most seats are filled with young families. Hearing the curious questions and giggles warms my heart. The movie addresses screen time, bullying and moving on as one grow up. I see how screens have affected my nieces and nephews, so it is a somber reminder of how we all must take an active role in how we use technology.
