You can see the sweat on Buzz Lightyear’s face as he propels through the stars at hyper speed. You can hear the retro-style sci-fi sound effects scattered throughout the adventure. The shot of a lone space ranger floating through space shows the terrifying magnificence of the universe. More than anything, Lightyear shows the cosmic wonder of space exploration, and how Pixar are the pinnacle of film animation. It is a classic heartfelt Pixar romp disguised as a grand space adventure. Chris Evans’ voice turns what was originally a toy into a real person, Michael Giacchino’s epic score transports you to the unknown plains of T’Kani Prime and makes you feel as if you were travelling at light speed.
Lightyear is framed as the movie within the Toy Story universe which inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy line. This is reflected in the film’s 90s style sound effects, showing the care the sound team placed into the film which we’ve come to expect from Pixar. Even the Giacchino’s score somewhat reflects this; providing Buzz with a classic hero’s ‘riff’ throughout the film. which I loved. The film delivers what you’d expect from a Buzz Lightyear spin-off and more. Although this time around, it’s less about the heart and more about the adventure through space. Whilst it is appropriately heartfelt and poignant in places, Lightyear reflects how the stunning cinematography and visuals show how far animation has come. From intricate new landscapes on unknown planets to the vast expanse of open space (especially a spectacle to admire in IMAX), Lightyear is possibly the most stunning animated film of the year so far. It clearly intended to go lightyears beyond the scale of Toy Story; Andy’s room to Buzz in Toy Story is the entire universe to Buzz in Lightyear. Lightyear was undoubtedly going to contain nods to the first Toy Story, which are scattered just the right amount throughout the film. Not too much that the film feels it can’t stand on it’s own without the legacy of the original, but not too little that the source material is under appreciated by the filmmakers.
The film introduces us to some likeable new faces, which become integral to the film’s core message. On a mission to save quite possibly everything he cares about, Buzz is teamed up with the likes of Izzy (Keke Palmer), Mo (Taika Waititi), Darby (Dale Soules), and a hilariously adorable robot cat called Sox (Peter Sohn). Each of these characters bring something unique to the roster, and not only learn something about themselves, but teach Buzz a valuable Pixar take-home lesson which we can all relate to. Sox is undoubtedly a stand out; providing that quizzical humour of a naive android companion in all the right moments. What sci-fi adventure wouldn’t be complete without an interstellar cat? The film also puts an interesting spin on Buzz’s nemesis; Zurg. Not quite emperor in this iteration, but having a level of sympathetic depth which we’ve come to expect from, well, most movie villains at this point. Once again, the animation shines particularly with Zurg’s design; an intimidating, anime-inspired robot body which is about 10 times the size of Buzz and his companions. There was even some subtle nods to classic sci-fi cinema; including Alien, Star Wars, possibly even The Terminator which I really appreciated.
As a guy who used to run around his neighbourhood dressed as Buzz Lightyear, this film not only tingled my nostalgic affection for Toy Story, but also took me on a fantastic animated adventure through space. Lightyear is a quality film regardless of its connections to Toy Story. As with any new Pixar film, it shows how far animation has come in delivering stunning new visuals, fantastical sound design and musical score. Pixar are known for turning an out-of-this-world setting into a down to earth, emotional story which wells the throats of movie-goers. Lightyear certainly isn’t the most down to earth Pixar story to date, but it doesn’t need to be. It is a new story inspired by a beloved character, with a gorgeous new setting and engaging story fresh enough to entertain any audience and well throats at the right moments. Does it make me want to run around my neighbourhood dressed as Buzz again? Of course it does. Although it makes me want to go slightly beyond my neighbourhood.
G does Films 