'Lightyear' film review: 'Toy Story' hero journeys through space, time & guilt
Pixar's iconic and beloved space ranger leaps out of the toy box and into his own action-packed space adventure in 'Lightyear' (in theaters June 17).
In short: Marooned on a hostile planet in deep space, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) tries to find a way back home for himself and his fellow castaways. Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, James Brolin and Taika Waititi also star.
'Lightyear' is simultaneously the fifth Pixar movie featuring Buzz Lightyear - but the first movie to featuring this version of Buzz Lightyear. This new movie upfront establishes that the 'Toy Story' version of Buzz was based on a movie Andy watched in 1995 - and that movie is 'Lightyear.' This distinction is subtle but important - and it justifies why 'Captain America' star Chris Evans voices Buzz this around rather than Tim Allen (who voiced Buzz since 1995).
'Toy Story' fans looking for the further adventures of Buzz Lightyear might be a little disappointed here - which is understandable given how attached fans have become with the iconic space ranger voiced by Tim Allen. The 'Toy Story' movies are basically buddy comedies mixed with an undercurrent of existentialism, whereas 'Lightyear' is a straightforward adventure from start to finish. The magic of 'Lightyear,' however, is taking in a grand adventure featuring a bold character, and understanding how a young kid could become enamored with the heroic Buzz Lightyear. Chris Evans, as Buzz, radiates a pure courage and stalwart determination - characteristics that were twisted into punchlines in 'Toy Story,' but when played straightforward, it makes sense why a child like Andy would brush aside his Sheriff Woody playset in favor of the exciting Space Ranger toys.
On the surface, 'Lightyear' seems like the least Pixar-y film that Pixar has released so far: Buzz just wants to help his stranded friends leave a dangerous planet and get home. Yet Pixar always finds the humanity of each story - and Buzz's palpable guilt is the heart of 'Lightyear.' For as courageous and determined as the titular hero is in his pursuit to complete his mission, he's primarily a guilt-ridden man trying to make up for an arrogant, costly mistake. At the outset of the film, Buzz's guilt compels him to take repeated reckless chances - but as the story starts to peel back the weight of his responsibility, Buzz also gets a glimpse into the dark combination of guilt and blind determination.
The aspect of 'Lightyear' that makes the least amount of sense, in the context of 'Toy Story,' is why Andy would ask Santa for a Buzz Lightyear toy when the robotic cat Sox right there! Sox, voiced by Peter Sohn, is the breakout star of 'Lightyear.' Ostensibly there to be a personal companion robot for Buzz, Sox is the hilarious, scene-stealing sidekick who immediately vaults to the top tier of all-time great Pixar characters. Sohn's performance finds the intersection of hilarious and lovable - and his perfectly adorable (if unblinking) eyes make Sox the surprising and delightful MVP of 'Lightyear.'
'Lightyear' is such a lean sci-fi adventure hurtling through space and time that it's only failing maybe in not living up to expectation that this is some sort of Buzz Lightyear standalone film featuring the plastic toy doll. This isn't even some weird prequel that explains Buzz Lightyear's origin - it's only real connection to the 'Toy Story' franchise are some playful nods to Buzz's idiosyncrasies as a toy based on a hit film. It's probably most helpful to think of the 'Toy Story' Buzz Lightyear as a totally independent, if hyperbolic, take on the Buzz Lightyear that Andy watched in 'Lightyear.'
Final verdict: Pixar's best film since 'Toy Story 4' is an exciting and fun reunion with an familiar friend - and Sox would absolutely outsell Buzz Lightyear 10-to-1.
Score: 3.5/5
'Lightyear' opens in theaters nationwide on June 17. This animated sci-fi adventure is PG for action/peril and has a runtime of 100 minutes.
