Lightyear Story:-
“Lightyear,” Pixar’s 26th film, unveils its premise through the opening title, linking back to Andy, the protagonist of “Toy Story,” who received a Buzz Lightyear action figure inspired by a movie he adored. This movie, “Lightyear,” is the cinematic embodiment of that toy.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 17 June 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Animation |
| Duration | 1h 50min |
| Cast | Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, James Brolin, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, Uzo Aduba, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, Isiah Whitlock Jr. |
| Director | Angus MacLane |
| Writer | Jason Headley, Angus MacLane |
| Cinematography | Jeremy Lasky, Ian Megibben |
| Music | Michael Giacchino |
| Producer | Galyn Susman |
| Production | Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The premise offered ample room for imaginative exploration by Pixar’s creative team. One might have envisioned a daring origin tale for Buzz Lightyear, depicting his early days as a bold rookie undergoing flight training. With Buzz’s sleek space suit and futuristic allure compared to other toys in “Toy Story,” the potential for a whimsically futuristic adventure within the Pixar universe was palpable.
However, “Lightyear” takes a different, more conventional approach. From the outset, Buzz embodies the familiar persona we know—a supremely confident test pilot with a penchant for egotism. Alongside his crew, reminiscent of the camaraderie seen in “Star Trek,” Buzz finds himself stranded on a hostile planet after a failed escape attempt.
The film chronicles Buzz’s journey towards humility and camaraderie as he joins forces with fellow space explorers to escape the desolate planet. Each failed attempt at hyper-speed results in years passing on the planet, showcasing the evolving lives of his companions. Despite its predictable message of learning to prioritize others over oneself, “Lightyear” feels less like an origin story and more like a mid-series adventure in the Buzz Lightyear saga.
The inclusion of diverse characters like Capt. Hawthorne, Sox, Darby Steel, and Mo Morrison adds depth to the narrative. Together, they confront a formidable alien threat, led by the enigmatic Emperor Zurg, in a series of exhilarating chases and escapes filled with witty gags.
Although Chris Evans delivers a commendable performance as Buzz, capturing his larger-than-life persona, there’s a slight departure from Tim Allen’s iconic portrayal, resulting in a somewhat less humorous rendition. This shift may stem from Buzz’s transformation from a toy to a real Space Ranger, enlarging his scope while subtly diminishing his essence.
Ultimately, “Lightyear” serves as an entertaining diversion, albeit one that feels somewhat detached from the magic of the “Toy Story” series. It raises questions about the potential dilution of the franchise through excessive spin-offs, prompting reflection on what made the original films so special.
