Original Toy Story to screen in Panida’s Sunday $5 film series

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

Calling the 1995 Disney-Pixar animated film Toy Story a cultural juggernaut is no exaggeration. 

From its then-cutting edge computer-generated graphics depicting the sentient denizens of young Andy Davis’ toy box came a decades-spanning franchise with its fifth sequel coming in 2026; 10 other spinoffs, shorts, series and specials; a trilogy of plays and a musical; plus at least five theme park attractions and a themed line of LEGO sets.

Now, the Panida Theater will host two screenings of the classic on Sunday, April 6, with showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A plot summary of the original is probably unnecessary by this point, but for those who may have missed the root of the phenomenon, it’s the tale of the Davis family as they prepare to move house. Unbeknownst to Andy, his toys come alive when he’s not around, and have created an entire secret social organization with Sheriff Woody the cowboy doll (voiced by Tom Hanks) as their leader.

Tensions are running high among the toys, who fear that the impending move and Andy’s nearing birthday will result in some of them being replaced. Those fears are realized when Andy receives a Buzz Lightyear action figure (Tim Allen), which is the hottest toy on the market and sure to overthrow Woody as Andy’s favorite and therefore challenge his authority.

Meanwhile, Buzz apparently believes his own press releases, because he doesn’t think he’s a toy — rather, an actual interstellar explorer. 

The rivalry between Woody and Buzz escalates, until circumstances lead to them both being left behind, and forced to find their way back to Andy while evading all manner of dangers, including an unstable neighbor kid and his vicious dog.

The showings are part of the Panida’s Sunday Cinemas Series, sponsored by Joni MacNeill, DDS, of MacNeill Family Dental; Ben Richards, CPFA, of Merrill; Retro Play Arcade; and SkyRight Roofing and Gutters.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtimes. Tickets are $5, available at the door or panida.org.