The Toy Story franchise has been a much loved one in our household for decades. From the 90s original right through to the recent 2026 release, our family, in one configuration or another, has eagerly anticipated and enjoyed each film. And so it was when my partner and I, two empty nesters with choc tops and popcorn in hand, lined up for Toy Story 5.
Over the last two decades I’ve been to many kids films and the audiences have always been part of the fun. A room full of the chatter and squeals of excited little beans waiting to be taken on a glorious ride of imagination.
Usually, the energy settles as the kids become absorbed by the storytelling. You might hear an occasional cry or whinge, and lots of laughter, but for the most part the audience is engrossed.
As the film unfolded it became apparent that this Toy Story was going to be a cautionary tale – an appeal to both parents and children to focus on in-person connections rather than digital devices.
But what also unfolded for me was an observation that this audience was different. Ironically, as the story focussed on the pitfalls of children spending too much time on devices, the kids in this audience never really fully settled.
There were brief moments of quiet but for the most part the atmosphere was agitated. The younger watchers never really fully engaged with the story for more than a few minutes. An air of restlessness prevailed with more fidgeting, crying, and complaining than I had ever remembered. Some were even watching with devices in hand. The kids were distracted.
I’m not an anthropologist but I couldn’t help wondering if, in this era of short form media and high paced digital content, children have lost the art of losing themselves in a story.
Allowing kids to unplug long enough to get bored and let the mind wander in untethered dreaming has become a rare and rebellious act. Let’s encourage it. Their future is going to rely on dreamers and imagineers.
PS – the film was great!
