“Lightyear Review – Pixar Delivers Sci- Fi Adventure with impressive Characters”
Lightyear, Pixar’s newest animated sci-fi action-adventure film, invites you to travel to infinity and beyond. This animation company has been around for decades, beginning with the renowned film Toy Story in 1995. Andy Davis, a six-year-old boy, gets a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday in that film. Lightyear is the film that introduced the iconic space ranger to the Toy Story universe and inspired Andy to want the toy in the first place. Fortunately, it’s easy to see how this became Andy’s favourite film, as it’s a fun and exciting adventure packed with humour, action, and visually stunning cinematography.
The original Toy Story was great, and each sequel felt the same, as with any other franchise that has a good start
It must justify its existence. Toy Story 4 performed a fantastic job of presenting a satisfying finish for the character of Woody after the finite ending of the third chapter. So, does Lightyear’s existence justify its existence? As a spin-off of the quadrilogy, the only logical place to start was with the picture that set the events of the Toy Story films in motion in the first place. Is it necessary for this film to exist? No. Isn’t it great that it does? Absolutely.
A film does not need to have a purpose; if it entertains, it has done its job. Fortunately, there is plenty of amusement in this cosmic adventure helmed by Pixar veteran Angus MacLane in his feature directorial debut. He does an amazing job with this concept Toy Story 2’s exhilarating opening Buzz Lightyear action sequence was expanded into a feature-length film. Buzz’s language alludes to the original films, and it’s wonderful to see a human Buzz in action in a film that feels inspired by Star Wars and other grand space operas.
The picture swings into high gear with gritty, exhilarating action after some written and visual nods to the original Toy Story. With The Incredibles, Pixar dabbled in the action genre, and it doubles down here with aesthetically impressive, grin-inducing shootouts and confrontations. Furthermore, the animation remains excellent throughout the film. Keep in mind that this is a live-action picture in the world of Toy Story, and the way the “camera” glides and racks focus sells that impression to a tee. The only problem is that this is supposed to be a film from the early 1990s, yet it has all the polish and flair of a blockbuster from 2022. If the picture had attempted to be more experimental, perhaps it would have been more successful imitate the style of early-’90s action films
The voice acting in this film is excellent. Chris Evans portrays Buzz Lightyear of Star Command quite effectively, with a voice that is comparable to Tim Allen’s while also sounding distinct. Keke Palmer continues to establish her talent and versatility as Izzy Hawthorne in this and Nope, both of which will be released later this summer. With his performance as Mo Morrison, an ambitious recruit who provides many of the film’s funnier moments, Taika Waititi is quickly becoming Hollywood’s go-to humorous voice. Finally, Dale Soules, an actress in her mid-70s, gives her all as Darby Steel in a part that requires her to chew the scenery.
Lightyear: Characters
The best element of the film, though, is Sox, a robot cat who follows our heroes This cat, voiced by Peter Sohn, director of The Good Dinosaur, is one of Pixar’s most iconic and charming animals. Sox is a nice companion who spectators would undoubtedly adore. Perhaps the most problematic aspect of a figure like Sox is the plot hole that Andy never thought to purchase one for his toy collection, despite the fact that any child in the world would want a Sox toy after seeing this film.
All of these characters are enjoyable to watch, but the film lacks Pixar’s deep emotional core. The film deals with time dilation, which means that Buzz flies through portals only to return to Earth to find that years have gone in a matter of minutes. Those who have watched the film Interstellar understand how this principle might be exploited to produce emotional results. Nonetheless, this film glosses over much of it, racing through the concept with brisk pacing and providing only one genuine emotional moment. The film can also feel like the second episode of a Buzz Lightyear trilogy rather than the character’s genuine genesis narrative.
Lightyear has the potential to be one of Pixar’s best. Unfortunately, it falls short of those expectations
but for what it’s worth, this is an action-packed sci-fi adventure with a fun cast of characters. This is Pixar’s first theatrical release since Onward in early 2020, and it’s a glorious return. It’s a magnificent cinematic experience with a few surprise insights that will both startle and perplex you. It’s also a film that will have you watching until the end credits and beyond.
SCORE: 8/10
According to ComingSoon’s review policy, a score of 8 equals “Great.” While there are a few small flaws, this grade indicates that the art achieves its aim and leaves a lasting impression.
