'Lightyear' A Review

Lightyear is an animated scifi adventure film, a spin-off from the Toy Story series, framed as the movie the toy is based on referenced in the original film. Buzz Lightyear(Chris Evans) is a Space Ranger for Star Command exploring uncharted space. When a habitable planet is discovered, Lightyear along with his Commander Alisha Hawthorne(Uzo Aduba) investigate only to be set upon by native bugs and vines. In attempting to flee the hyperspace fuel is damaged marooning the expedition and forcing them to set up a colony.

Evans, no surprise, gives a wonderful and layered vocal performance gracefully finding both humor and pathos. The supporting vocal cast are all equally effective with nice turns by Aduba,  Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, and in particular Peter Sohn as Buzz's robot cat companion Sox who provides delicious comic relief.

Visually stunning, an excellent score, and a tight script all coalesce perfectly for a thrilling adventure with heart that has nods to the original TS series but isn't bogged down by them and knowledge of the TS franchise is completely unnecessary as Lightyear stands on its own. It is a highly effective, highly enjoyable summer blockbuster that also has some intriguing but unobtrusive themes. Like many Pixar films it balances many things near perfectly.

By far more cohesive, convincing, and celebratory than either current blockbuster alternatives(Top Gun: Maverick or Jurassic World Dominion). A pure summer delight.

Currently in theaters coming soon to Disney+.

Don't Miss It.