Movie Review: ‘Lightyear’

Review by Lauryn Angel

Lightyear is Pixar’s latest film, but it’s not about the Buzz Lightyear we’ve come to know and love from the Toy Story films. Rather, this is the character from Andy’s favorite movie who inspired that action figure. The movie is supposed to be from 1995, and it’s the adventure of Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) on a dangerous mission with his captain, Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) and — despite Buzz’s protests — a rookie.

Due to a mistake on Buzz’s part, the ship is stranded on the dangerous planet, and Buzz is left feeling it’s his responsibility to make things right. The remainder of the film is the story of that attempt.

The movie is a lot of fun, with an opening action scene that sets up a fun summer film. Buzz is joined in his fight against Zurg (James Brolin) by a group of junior recruits, played by KeKe Palmer, Taika Waititi, and Dale Soules, who often provide more comic relief than they do assistance.

My favorite character from the movie, paws down, is Sox – a robot cat voiced by Peter Sohn. Sox is a robot with some nifty features that he reveals as they’re needed. However, he is very much a cat, with the attitudes and mannerisms that entails. I’d love a feature-length film about Sox’s adventures, but maybe Pixar will give us a short at some point.

Lightyear is certain to entertain Toy Story fans of all ages, but as someone who has merely seen those films a couple of times (although I have seen all of them at least once), I have to say that a full knowledge of those films is not necessary to enjoy Lightyear. It reminded me in some places of the first Star Wars trilogy, but without Darth Vader. There’s not a true villain in the film, and for much of the film there isn’t a Space Ranger Corps – yet. There is definite potential for a sequel.

Be sure to stay for the credits – all of them! – as there is a mid-credit and an end-credit scene.