DIRECTOR: Angus MacLane
PRODUCERS: Galyn Susman
WRITERS: Angus MacLane & Jason Headley & Matthew Aldrich
VOICES: Chris Evans Keke Palmer Peter Sohn James Brolin Taika Waititi Dale Soules
Uzon Abduba Mary McDonnell-Lewis Efren Ramirez Isiah Whitlock, Jr.
When Pixar first came out with Toy Story in 1995, nobody knew the significance and legacy it would bring to later generations. Everything about that film seemed to hit all the right notes. The one thing that stood out were the characters and their arcs. As it happens, time goes on and look where were at now? Right here, several years later and a film within a film... Who knew?
Lightyear tells the story of a heroic space ranger we're all already familiar with, but not the way he's seen here. With the opening text describing how Andy got a toy from his favorite movie and this film is that movie, you would think that this is where it all started. Space Rangers go on a mission, things go wrong, they're marooned but adjust to life on their current location pretty quickly. Not what you would expect from something of this magnitude from Pixar, right? Not unless it's Star Trek or Star Wars for that matter. Unlike those two, this one rather takes a turn for the much different destination; but remains on the same course with a few changes. Chris Evans, for example, is the voice of the titular hero and some would have a problem with that because Tim Allen voiced him first in the franchise that inspired this one. But since he's no stranger to playing a man out of time (as he did in the MCU films as Captain America), I don't see anything wrong with it. He clearly does a good job voicing the character and he doesn't try and emulate Allen but his own Buzz. Like listening to the real guy before the toy version of him.
The film's pacing however, sort of lacks a little bit in the beginning as the humans get acquainted with their new settings. Granted you need a solid beginning, still be that as it may, the way this film makes its introduction is almost lackluster compared to the other Pixar films. Since this is aimed at a younger audience, there are just some certain things you include and don't include... like involving a lesbian moment (was that really necessary?) That was something completely unexpected! Given the fact that Disney is one of the biggest entertainment empires in the world, they should really know better than to feature something such as that in what's supposed to be a movie for kids. Is the industry really looking to harden this particular feature in today's world in our minds? Why is this being shown to kids all of a sudden? Yes, it was a brief few seconds but any young viewer can pick up on that moment and instill that into their memory. Perhaps if this were done differently, no controversy would be included. As it goes on though the film gets better and better and given that this is a action film set in space, expect a few surprises and for nostalgia's sake, a few Easter Eggs here and there.
The thing about Lightyear is the themes included like learning to preserve, adjust and adapt, and most of all humility. Anyone who starts off as a one-man crew ends up learning to trust and rely on others instead of just himself (1 CORINTHIANS 12:14). Living in the present, not in the past (JAMES 4:14) and what it really means to be part of a team. Live your best life, that's something that has been said many times and many ways. Here, this film says it with every passing moment as Buzz overcomes his obsession with finishing the mission he was sent to carry out, not knowing but later learning how to embark upon a new one. The climax on the other hand, had me on the edge of my seat and perfectly embodied the presence of a time and place for everything (ECCLESIASTES 3:1) even when timelines collide!
While it may not be Pixar's best, it certainly is a near hit for the stars. But the film is better for it anyway because the premise still works. I must admit, I had my doubts at first, but was still confident it would aim to please.... and there was no failure in Pixar's mission to please audiences. Despite the controversy and the unnecessary LGTBQ references, this really sends us flying through the very annals of pure sheer entertainment through space. This was Star Trek meets Aliens & Interstellar seen through the eyes of a heroic figure that jumpstarted the toy line of astronauts and science-fiction for the next several years "to infinity and beyond" given it's significance to the universe that started it all. As far as recommendation, may want to consider covering your children's eyes at some point during the film or just wait until they're old enough to watch it. Otherwise, adults of today may need to watch by themselves. All in all, worth a view and a mission worth accomplishing!
MY RATING: 4 out of 5