It’s been a long time since the 1995 feature film Toy Story came onto the scene and stole hearts across the globe. Since its inception, the franchise has grown to the point where a branch-off series was absolutely warranted.
Directed by Angus MacLane, Lightyear is a sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans). The film follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. Along with his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba), the two Rangers set off on a mission that soon takes a turn for the worse. Buzz takes it upon himself to rectify the mistake and “finish the mission.”
The story has an interesting bit of twists and turns but it’s stable enough that fans of the Toy Story franchise will enjoy it. The origin stories of the main characters and the surprise villain were both interesting and creative. MacLane could’ve steered the story in a myriad of directions but what he and his team went with fit just right. The film did catch some initial flack for Alisha having a relationship with a woman and having them kiss onscreen, but, it doesn’t steal the narrative or derail the story in any way.
Lightyear is looking for consideration in nine different categories:
- Best Animated Feature
- Best Director
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Film Editing
- Best Production Design
- Best Original Score
- Best Sound
Lightyear gets a 7.5 out of 10. The film tends to drag towards the end and having Chris Evans voice Buzz when everyone’s used to Tim Allen changed the feel of our intergalactic hero. Disney has some strong contenders this awards season (Avatar, Doctor Strange, etc.) but it’s going to take a lot to push Lightyear past the likes of the latest Puss in Boots or fellow Pixar make Turning Red.
Lightyear is available now on Disney+
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Disney/Pixar