LIGHTYEAR -- The Film That Technically Started It All

Review by Paris Jade

In Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” Buzz (voice of Chris Evans) returns to the planet he’s been marooned on for decades after a monumental test flight. But things have changed while he was away. When he runs into Izzy Hawthorne (voice of Keke Palmer), he mistakes her for her grandmother Alisha—Buzz’s best friend and commander. Peter Sohn lends his voice to Buzz’s dutiful robot companion, Sox. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”), the sci-fi action-adventure opens in U.S. theaters on June 17, 2022. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

In 1995, Pixar released its first computer-animated film, Toy Story. They gained success and led on to create many sequels, merchandise, shorts, and more. The franchise was thought to have come to a close in 2019, but Pixar had one more trick up its sleeve: Lightyear. Lightyear tells the story of the actual movie that Toy Story’s Andy had loved all those years ago, leading to him receiving his Buzz Lightyear toy in the first film. In the movie, Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans, embarks on an intergalactic adventure with a group of recruits, rookies, and a robot cat. They must find a way to stop the evil Zurg and rescue the people of the planet. 

This was a great, thoroughly entertaining film. The characters were all fun and likable, especially the robot cat Sox. After seeing the trailer, it seemed as though Sox would have been a bit annoying, but he was actually the perfect amount of comedic relief and extremely helpful towards the plot. He is very comparable to the loveable Forky in Toy Story 4. Chris Evans was a perfect pick to play as Lightyear. He did a great job almost impersonating Tim Allen while also having his own spin on the space ranger. The rest of the cast was also well-chosen, and the core four of the film all had great chemistry.

Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” is an all-new, original feature film that presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans)—the hero who inspired the toy—following the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. But Buzz can’t do it alone—he shares space with a dutiful robot companion cat called Sox (voice of Peter Sohn). A hidden grab bag of gizmos in a cute kitty package, Sox is Buzz’s go-to friend and sidekick. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”), the sci-fi action-adventure releases on June 17, 2022. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The film was nonstop. There wasn’t a single moment of stillness. Anytime things would calm down, there was another immediate call for adventure, which was perfect. Sometimes in certain films, it can be a bit overwhelming to have one thing after the other, but Lightyear played it off perfectly: a great mix of action and silliness. The way it kicks off is also appreciated, as it isn’t something that drags on for half of the movie and everyone is sitting there still learning about the characters. You learn who Buzz is and everyone else within a matter of a few minutes, and then you’re off into adventure. The sprinkle of representation was also greatly appreciated as it was shown but not given a huge deal. It exists just like anything else, and that’s how it should be for future films, so another point for Disney. You also have to appreciate that they did not overdo it with the references to the older films. There are small links to toy Buzz, and they are handled wonderfully.

What is so great about this film is that, by its end, you genuinely understand why Andy loved Buzz so much. It’s cute and sentimental, especially if you grew up loving Toy Story, and who didn’t? Lightyear is a highly recommended film to watch. Pixar is slowly bringing itself back up by releasing great things again, and they won’t be stopping here. 

Watch Lightyear in theaters June 17.

Rating: 4/5