‘Lightyear’ Is An Intergalactic Tale for Everyone – Review
Buzz Lightyear is going back to infinity and beyond with the latest Disney film Lightyear. But we are no longer in Andy’s house. Instead, we are watching a story of Lightyear, the space ranger, unfold on-screen. With Chris Evans taking over the role of the galaxy’s most famous space ranger, along with Uzo Aduba, Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, Peter Sohn and Dale Soules along for the space ride.
Lightyear serves as the origin story of the titular space ranger. A member of Star Command, Buzz, along with his commanding officer and best friend, Alisha (Aduba), travel to a habitable planet. Upon finding that the planet has hostile lifeforms, a botched retreat causes the crew to stay behind and build a life on the planet. Unsatisfied with that option, Buzz moves forward with Star Command’s plan to test out hyperspace fuel as an effort to get back home, but what happens leads to a new adventure, a new team, and a new threat to deal with.
This film is a fun ride for all ages. With a mix of a science heavy plot line, charismatic voice acting, and beautiful animation, Lightyear is a fun film. Although, it’s the most serious and somber of any movie connected to Toy Story—that’s what gives it so much depth. It leaves the tales of forgotten toys behind and ventures into stories of persistence and change.
While the science heavy components may be too much to follow at times for a younger audience, the action and comedic timing will bring everything back into focus. With the chemistry between the characters Izzy (Palmer), Mo (Waititi) and Darby (Soules) providing some kookiness, scene stealer Sox (Sohn), Lightyear’s robotic kitty, provides the most laughs.
Another beautiful component to this film is the diversity within Lightyear—not just within race, but with age and sexual orientation. Just as much as the film is about Buzz navigating his mission, it’s also about others finding their place in the world.
Much like other Disney/Pixar films, there are underlying themes that push the narrative along. The most prevalent theme being learning from the past, enjoying the present and moving forward with the future. Since the film places so much emphasis on time, this becomes the driving force behind the plot, ultimately creating a movie that makes you wrestle with choices that life gives you and the time needed to make them happen.
Lightyear is an enjoyable film for all ages. With unexpected twists and heartwarming themes, it’s a summer flick that’s sure to have you believing in Buzz’s motto, “To infinity and beyond.”
Rating: 8/10
