It’s been a long time since a Pixar film was released on the big screen. The past three entries from the animation studio have been released exclusively on Disney+ and even though they’re great films audiences never got to experience these stories in a dark room full of strangers, missing the big screen experience entirely. Pixar’s Lightyear is a film that has to be seen on the biggest screen which is now thankfully possible post-pandemic. The scope of the film is vast, the visuals are gorgeous and there are some sci-fi hallmarks which are borrowed and copied from some other classic works such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes, which are incorporated into the film’s DNA too.
Lightyear starts with a little message on a black screen explaining that this is the film that a young Andy from Toy Story once saw, and it was this film that made hundreds of children in that universe want the latest Buzz Lightyear action figure. It is this set-up that almost makes the film meta in a way. Apart from this brief message however, there is no other mention to the Toy Story continuity. Yes, this version of the character borrows elements of what makes Buzz so unique and likeable, but this is also a character that feels separated from the toy with identity problems. Marking this change is Tim Allen’s voice role, who is replaced by Chris Evans in this film.
The character of Buzz Lightyear is slowly developed throughout the film. At the start he is over-confident, brash and carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Buzz blames himself over a series of easily made mistakes at the start which he then carries throughout the entirety of the film. This does make him come across as a jerk at times, especially when he constantly puts himself in front of the team, but thanks to a great set of supporting characters he gradually evolves throughout the film.
The story was largely kept secret throughout the marketing of the film, and for good reason too! To tell you the key details of the plot would do the movie a great disservice, as you’ll more than likely enjoy it more knowing as little as possible. Lightyear is an original sci-fi epic that takes a lot of influences from classic 80’s and 90’s films, and as a film buff I could easily see these influences at key moments within the film. Not only that but the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, with improved lighting effects on the planets surface and some impressive photo-realistic animation with the space scenes, which makes this one of Pixar’s best-looking films yet! Even though there are moments where the plot plays it too safe there are some surprise moments of levity and even an emotional moment that clearly copies a previous Pixar film, but to say which one will spoil the reveal.
One of the biggest highlights of the film is a feline robotic toy cat called Sox, who is meant to aid Lightyear during the film. When we’re first introduced to Sox I thought he was going to be a needless addition to the film in order to sell more toys, and that he will probably be an awkward hindrance to the story. I was wrong! Sox has some of the best moments in the film and is such a lovable character. Sox will sell a lot of toys certainly but he is definitely not a hinderance and is a key character, especially in the latter half of the film. Sox also provides a lot of humour within the film, and without Sox the film wouldn’t have worked as well. The relationship between Buzz and Sox is massively underrated and I would love to see more of their adventures in the future.
★★★★☆
4/5
Lightyear is Pixar at its best, and that’s saying something considering they made the brilliant Canadian coming-of-age film Turning Red earlier in the year. Chris Evans inhabits the character perfectly, even if he does have moments where he’s not as likable. The score, the visuals and the supporting characters help perk the film up and make Lightyear stand above the rest in their growing legacy of original films. Lightyear may have some heavy themes of responsibilities and consequences, but it also has their trademark humour and emotional moments for all the family to enjoy.
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Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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