Lightyear

Lightyear

Legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox.

  • Released: 2022-06-15
  • Runtime: 93 minutes
  • Genre: Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
  • Stars: Chris Evans, Mu Leen, Taika Waititi, Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, Peter Sohn, Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Keira Hairston, Bill Hader, Angus MacLane, Carlos Alazraqui, Kimberly Bailey, William Calvert, June Christopher, David Cowgill, Terri Douglas, Jackie Gonneau, Rif Hutton, Matthew Yang King, Stephanie Komure, Piotr Michael, Cristina Milizia, Arthur Ortiz, Jacqueline Pinol, Griffin Puatu, Shane Sweet, Debra Wilson, Matthew Wood, Cory Yee, Ruth Zalduondo, Debra Wilson, François Civil, Michaël Grégorio, Lyna Khoudri, Chantal Ladesou, Jean Barney, Georges Caudron, Virginie Emane, Frantz Confiac, Pauline Moulène, Volodia Serre, Lionel Lingelser, Donald Reignoux, Juliette Davis
  • Director: Angus MacLane
 Comments
  • dhparker-47881 - 19 June 2024
    Wasted opportunity
    First off: the movie looks great, and Evans was a great choice as VA for Buzz. After that the movie is terrible. The most egregious aspect is how much of a wasted chance this was to make an awesome movie. I remember as a kid thinking Buzz was a cool character in the first Toy Story movie. When I heard they were making this I was optimistic, there was a lot of potential. So where did it go wrong?

    First, the setting: a drab, boring planet. Buzz's character was a pastiche of all things sci-fi, atomic age, space race, etc. Those movies often varied wildly in scenery, showcasing exotic and imaginative worlds that inspire your imagination. The world that Lightyear takes place on is composed of muted colors, the crazy "sci-fi" aspect of it is that it has some annoying, belligerent vines, some big bugs that are a nuisance and lava geysers. Pretty boring. Despite being a "space ranger" the movie is entirely confined to this one planet with the final act taking place in the ship above the planet.

    Secondly, the whole plot is full of holes. They need a fusion crystal to perfect hyper drive and despite "vast resources" and advanced robotics their experiments are confined to Buzz trying by himself once every four-plus years with no simultaneous experiments or volunteers. When the crystal is perfected it's done by the robot cat that took decades to do so, they apparently decided to not dedicate any computer resources to this task that could do it any better. Then the explanation that they can't make any more than one crystal is they accidentally smash the computer a formula was on, having never saved it or even memorized it which is even sillier because to make it he punches in a few numbers, enough that someone could possibly recall if they were adept at playing Simon Says.

    Then there are the insufferable rookies. They act like idiots then chastise Buzz for treating them like idiots. Oh and Buzz himself is a pretty big dope as well, relegated to being numero dos, not being smart or cooperative enough to be any better. He works as a foil in Toy Story with Woody but he's supposed to be the main character here. Not to say he ought to lack any character development, but he comes across as an oaf, and not a loveable one, but a cocky, abrasive jerk. His commanding officer meanwhile is an annoying, smug character who is slightly more talented than Buzz but without the character flaws.

    I'll skip to the ending that makes no sense. Buzz ultimately decides not to go back in time and reverse their situation to help everyone get off the planet. Why? Because if he does his friend won't meet her wife and have a child and grandchild. I guess he feels he shouldn't deprive her of that. So instead he feels it better to let her have that life than reunite the thousand other people on the ship with their families who will never see them again and sever all those relationships. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" another iconic sci-fi trope the movie ignores.

    The idea is that this is the movie that Andy watched that made him think Buzz is a cool character that he wanted the Buzz toy. I don't think anyone would make that conclusion, even if they somehow enjoyed this movie, nobody comes across with the idea that Buzz is a good character at all.
  • TheLittleSongbird - 27 January 2024
    Doesn't go to infinity and beyond
    'Lightyear' (2022)

    Opening thoughts: Expectations actually weren't low for 'Lightyear', despite its polarising critical reception and the controversy it garnered for a same sex couple and kiss. Buzz Lightyear is one of Pixar's greatest creations and more than interesting enough to warrant his own prequel origin story. Am also a fan of Pixar and of the first three 'Toy Story' films. 'Monsters University' and 'Finding Dory' were proof to me too that prequel origin stories to Pixar hits could work.

    'Lightyear' didn't quite come together for me, a case of it starting off so well but losing momentum and focus. It is nowhere near as bad as what was said about it when first released and the controversy over something so brief and that was actually done tastefully was very over the top and not deserved. When it comes to Pixar's films though, 'Lightyear' is one of the weaker ones (perhaps the weakest of the non-sequel efforts) and one of the missed opportunities. There is a good deal done right, but what Pixar does so well only comes in spurts and there are too many drawbacks.

    Good things: Starting with the plus points, 'Lightyear' is gorgeously animated with it shining especially in the visually inventive action sequences and the galactic backgrounds. Michael Giacchino's score is beautiful and rousing, with real atmosphere.

    The film starts off incredibly well, with a lot of intrigue and suspenseful excitement. The voice acting is excellent, Chris Evans filling Tim Allen's giant shoes with great charisma. Of the characters, it is agreed that Sox is the best, so lovable and funny and a character worthy of his own series. Izzy also brings a lot of heart.

    Bad things: Was a bit mixed on Buzz, he is very heroic and relatable to begin with but the more the film takes itself too seriously the duller his personality gets. Too many of the characters have thin personalities and the clumsiness of the characters becomes overdone and repetitive. Zurg is a huge disappointment, not sinister at all and instead very generic and underdeveloped with a plan that makes the viewer raise their arms up in confusion and frustration.

    Pacing wise, 'Lightyear' is all over the map. With too many draggy stretches in a film that feels too much like an over extended prologue. Much of the story is flimsy, while the over reliance on false starts complicated the narrative too much and made some of the film convoluted. The script doesn't always flow and takes itself too seriously, when there is humour it only comes to life with Sox and is annoying elsewhere. The film could have done with a lot more suspense and excitement, both of which dim significantly the thinner and more complicated the story gets. The big Zurg reveal is agreed beyond awful, introduced out of nowhere, severely underwritten, absolutely ridiculous and doesn't make sense at all and succeeds in dumbing him down. From that point on it all felt rushed and the whole climax anti-climactic.

    Closing thoughts: Overall, not unwatchable by any stretch but should have been a lot more considering the character and studio.

    5/10.
  • zimmerblake - 6 November 2023
    Had potential!
    I believe the premise of this film was solid but the execution was lacking. The story started out great but then became a pain and the voice cast didn't help. While the voice of Buzz sounded authentic the person who voiced Izzy made this expensive blockbuster come off like a low budget tv show. The actress, who's name is Keke Palmer, sounded like a tired parent trying to make a bedtime story interesting. She didn't become the role as whenever she spoke you got that awkward feeling you get during high school plays when someone is trying to act but failing. The story seemed as if it was drummed up in a single afternoon which is very unusual for Pixar. They used to claim they never start work on a new Pixar movie unless the story is stellar. The original Pixar team who were committed to that excellence must be gone now because the last few movies from them have been poorly disguised cash grabs.
  • loganjsmith-12928 - 3 January 2023
    This movie is amazing!
    This movie gets way to much hate! If you love Buzz Lightyear then watch this movie. I don't understand why it's getting this much hate. Buzz makes mistakes and he learns from them, how else do you want to see this movie play out? I encourage you not to listen to the bad reviews, they are all wrong. I'm the type of person who usually agrees with critics, and when I believe they are wrong then believe me they are wrong. This movie is fun and will most likely make you laugh. This movie is completely fine don't let the negativity ruin this spectacular film for you. If you like Buzz Lightyear and Pixar, this is the movie for you!
  • joseph12343 - 10 December 2022
    Better than people make it out to be!
    The review bombs given by people who can't accept change is utterly annoying.

    Lightyear as a whole was a very good adaptation to the character given to us in a kids movie(Toy Story)in 1995. What bugs people the most is their undying NEED to keep things the same. While I will say there are moments in the movie where it seems Pixar forget it's a kids movie, it doesn't take away from the action/adventure experience we were hoping to see in a "Buzz Lightyear" movie!

    Once you get passed the fact that the actor for Buzz isn't Tim Allen's voice anymore it really doesn't change the fact that it's the same Buzz Lightyear we all grew up knowing. From his Charisma to his humility the general character is the same.
  • ryanconduit - 18 November 2022
    Buzz was written a little poorly, but still a decent little film
    Lightyear is a really good example of your standard whole hearted children's film that can definitely be enjoyed by all ages. In saying that while I can see it definitely has some flaws from a critique perspective it would definitely seem the people coming from a over critical place seem to forget this is still a kids film.

    As for the positives this movie has its moments and still has that good old fashion Pixar feel especially when it comes to its one liners and chemistry. The characters are nothing new but still have charm. I think its fair to say while Chris Evens was nothing outstanding he did a solid job as Buzz Lightyear.

    As for the negatives Lightyear definitely falls a little flat in some areas and some of the story doesn't really make alot of sence. They don't really do a good job Introducing what is suppose to be the first time we meet the the all amazing Buzz Lightyear, this is suppose to be what made one of Andys favourite toys. Buzz comes across with alot of short comings and I fail to see what makes him the all great space ranger every kid in the Pixar world wants to be. But hey once again its a kids film.

    Not a bad watch 5.5/10.
  • silverpinkcity - 27 October 2022
    This movie deserves a higher rating!
    I just had to come and give this movie a decent review! Finally got around to watching it....hubby just bought DVD, and thought it was really cute.

    And trust me, I wasn't expecting much. What with the lukewarm reviews and my assumption that the movie would probably appeal more to young boys than adults, Lightyear was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed it.

    Much cleverness was baked put into the writing, so the movie wasn't just some cheap slop churned out for the money; riding on the coattails of Toy Story fame. As an adult, I wasn't bored watching this film. I can tell you I was filled with a lot more tedium watching Frozen part 2!

    The plot has a very interesting twist that surprised me....and the cat. Oh my God, the cat is so ADORABLE! Truly, the movie wouldn't be nearly as good without the robot cat. (Kind of like the whole Wilson idea in Castaway). The cat alone makes the movie worth watching.

    I know some people were upset that Tim Allen wasn't doing the voice for Lightyear, but the guy who did do the voice really nailed it. Is Lightyear my favorite Pixar movie...is it as good as any of the Toy Stories? Well, no and no. But it's still cute with a decent plot and good characters and an ADORABLE robot cat, so I would definitely recommend this film...for all ages!