B efore Toy Story 5 takes audiences back to the world of talking toys and bittersweet nostalgia, animation fans find themselves standing at a fascinating crossroads — one where artistry, emotion, and storytelling continue to evolve beyond what Pixar first imagined.

The Pixar vet finally gets total control of the "Toy Story" franchise he helped establish and has helped shepherd every step of the way. But now as a director, he finally gets to be in total control of the franchise he helped establish. So if there was ...