‘Lightyear’ is the level of quality audiences have come to expect from a Pixar film. While it never reaches the lofty heights of some of Pixar’s best, it is a welcome addition to the Pixar library.
The idea behind ‘Lightyear’ is that it is the film that Andy, from ‘Toy Story’, saw as a child that made him love Buzz Lightyear. This is not speculation, this information is in the initial title-card we see on screen. The film itself is a heartfelt sci-fi film with plenty of humor. While it is standard fair sci-fi for the most part, the filmmakers play with sci-fi tropes and have included some creative twists as well.
I can give some kudos to the filmmakers who did attempt to create a production design employing the boxy CRT monitor aesthetic we would’ve seen in ‘80s and ‘90s sci-fi. However, if the film ‘Lightyear’ was released in 1995 as stated- even if that was within the Pixar Universe- it would have been a groundbreaking cinematic achievement at least a decade ahead of its time. That’s one quibble I had with the film. There is also some retconning of Pixar lore that was brilliantly executed but may upset those who are more dogmatic about established cannon.
The animation in 'Lightyear' is beautiful and the voice acting is exemplary. The choice to recast ‘Buzz Lightyear’ as Chris Evans was ultimately a formidable one that honors Tim Allen's voicework while being its own iteration.
‘Toy Story’ fans young and old will enjoy ‘Lightyear’ and those who grew up with ‘Toy Story’ that are taking their young ones to see the new film will appreciate the homages and call backs to the original film.
MY RATING 3.75/5 STARS
The 'Toy Story' series is available to check out at The Brown Deer Public Library as well as Pixar's entire catalogue
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