2022 Summer Movie Season - Lightyear: Review & Analysis

Good Space!!!!! Spiritual Toy Story Spin-Off Is Fun Family Adventure!!!! 

Review By Brandon Porter

You know the toy. Now, meet the man.

Story Description

Elite pilot and esteemed member of the space ranger corps Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) is the purest example of high standard. Calm under pressure, reliable in stark situations, and a beacon of inspiration for those who strive to be like him. Alongside his commanding officer and best friend Alicia Hawthorne (Uzo Adoba), Buzz is determined to do whatever it takes to help his crew escape an uncharted planet and return home safely. A new mission involving the use of an experimental power source could be the ticket that Buzz and the colony need to get back to civilization. But what is thought to be just a simple there-and-back test flight soon turns into a dire and harrowing situation. But as soon find some self thrust 60 years into the future with little to no sign of his comrades. He finds allies in Hawthorne’s young granddaughter Izzy (Keke Palmer), ex-con Darby Steel (Dale Soules), and anxious recruit Morrison (Taika Waititi). Together, they must rely on each other strengths and resolve to survive the onslaught of a dangerous robot armada led by a tyrannical warlord named Zurg (James Brolin) and Buzz must answer the call and become the intergalactic hero that will change the galaxy forever.

Buzz and Alisha tackle the challenges of this new frontier 
together.

Film Review

Many people know about Buzz Lightyear the toy. But a few people know about the man who was his inspiration. A spiritual spin-off to Pixar’s crown jewel franchise and the first Pixar Animation Studios film to see a theatrical release since 2020, Lightyear is the definitive origin story of the space ranger that gave birth to one of the most iconic characters in the Toy Story series. After blasting off on this adventure with the heroic space ranger of Star Command, Lightyear delivers in terms of offering a fun-filled adventure from start to finish. Lightyear may be looked at as a spiritual sequel to the beloved Toy Story films. But the film still does a great job at establishing its universe while also setting the Buzz we see in the film apart from his plastic counterpart. Most of that credit goes to the performance of Chris Evans. A self-proclaimed Disney fan, I can tell Evans really put his all into this performance while also adding depth to this version of Buzz. While the Buzz in Toy Story dealt with some emotional and phycological hurdles as he came to grips with being a toy and not the heroic space ranger, the Buzz in this movie deals with some very complex hurdles himself. The arc he goes on in letting go of his hubris, releasing himself from burdens he has put on himself, and learning to be patient and put his faith and trust in others is a fulfilling arc that plays out well on screen. It really allows Evans to make this interpretation of Buzz his own while also having plenty of callbacks that remind audiences of his roots. Uzo Adoba is a strong standout playing Alisha Hawthorne. She is a grounding presence for Buzz whenever he begins to take the mission or life too seriously. Despite their limited screen time together, I really felt the love, camaraderie, and friendship between the two of them resulting in some emotionally heartfelt scenes.

And you thought he was scary in toy form.

 Keke Palmer is additionally solid as Izzy in how she navigates the obstacles of her own arc. Her journey of overcoming her fears and anxiety is fun to watch as she further develops through the story. Taika Waititi and Dale Soules are a fun comedic duo that offers laughs throughout but not as much as Peter Sohn as Sox. A bonified scene-stealer, Sox delivers some great comedic moments that make him a real standout amongst the cast. For all the action, humor, and heart this movie possesses, it does have the unfortunate burden of being compared to the Toy Story series. While this isn't technically another Toy Story movie, I will say there are plenty of nods to the films in this movie. Whether they are lines said by Buzz himself or visual references, the movie doesn't forget the foundation that shaped the character. That said, there is plenty of things here to help this universe stand out on its own making room for story expansion if pursued. All in all, Lightyear is a fun and action-packed family adventure that is a great blend of animation, action, adventure, and sci-fi. The film is a good time and sometimes that is all that is required. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

A highly enjoyable sci-fi animation romp from start to finish. References and callbacks aplenty but with
enough differentiating elements to make this universe and characters stand on their own.

Ya did good Ranger. Ya did good.