Synopsis:
A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.
What We Thought:
Unlike others I’m not a Pixar diehard. They have movies I enjoy very much, but they also have some I wouldn’t watch again. There are a few I’ve never even seen. Fortunately for their latest, Lightyear, the Toy Story franchise is one I adore. And I’m happy to report, I adore this one as well.
Lightyear is a sort of prequel to the original Toy Story. In Toy Story Andy gets a Buzz Lightyear figure and this movie (although made 27 years later) is the movie Andy’s toy is based off of. Even if you haven’t seen the four Toy Story films (what is wrong with you???) you won’t have a difficult time following along to this.
The film has a ton of positives. First and foremost it is a science fiction film. Even as an animated movie, it is 100% a sci-fi flick. It talks about space travel, time travel, robots, aliens and everything in between. It’s the first Pixar film I remember seeing that is a genre film first, animated film second. As a sci-fi fan, I’m here for it.
Second, it has Sox. If there is one breakout new character from the film it’s Sox, Buzz’s robotic cat companion. Sox steals the film and your kids will love him. You will too and his toys and stuffed animals will fly off the shelves. Be prepared to buy your kid a Sox toy. Be prepared to want a Sox in real life. It has fun supporting characters and Chris Evans does a solid job voicing Buzz, but it’s all about Sox for me. Other characters get laughs and push the plot along, but there’s a reason I’m using a picture of Buzz with Sox up top.
The first Toy Story film came out 27 years ago which means there is a generation of adults who have grown up on Toy Story and Pixar. They are now old enough to have children of their own and Lightyear is that perfect bridge movie for them. Kids who grew up watching Toy Story can now introduce their kids to that world with Lightyear. Take your kids to the theater to see Lightyear, then pop on Toy Story when you get back.
Of course because it’s from Disney there is controversy with Lightyear and a kiss. To be honest with you I don’t even remember seeing it. Yes there is a gay couple in the movie, but like I said previously, it’s a science fiction film at its core. Disney first took out the kiss then put it back and there will be families that skip the movie and that’s their choice. But honestly your family will enjoy Sox and the adventure more than anything else. I certainly did. I’d see Lightyear again and own it on home video. I can’t always say that about Pixar and Disney films, but this one for me is definitely…
RECOMMENDED!
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The Nerds Templar 