Pixar’s Lightyear movie trailers built up anticipation for a film about the “real” Buzz Lightyear. Featuring the deeply resonating music of David Bowie coupled with wondrously beautiful visuals, the hype was understandably palpable. The generation spanning popularity of Toy Story’s toy based Buzz presented a unique opportunity for the filmmakers to exceed lofty expectations. Instead, the creative team played it safe.
How’s the story?
Conjuring up a crowd pleasing story while being careful not to alienate anyone must have given Disney Pixar many restless nights. Each aspect of Lightyear, from the characters to the subplots, all have a feel of decision by committee. *Spoilers ahead* We’re introduced to Buzz Lightyear participating as an active member of a Space Ranger team. His commander, Alisha Hawthorne, is a close friend. A poor decision by Buzz while trying to escape a hostile alien planet damages his crew’s spaceship. They are in need of a replacement power source. Buzz becomes a test pilot of a single person spaceship powered by experimental energy sources. The goal is for the power source to remain stable while flying at tremendous speeds. Each test flight only takes about 4 minutes. But on the ground, years pass each time. Consequently, Buzz doesn’t age much at all while many years pass for his friends and colleagues. The people on the ground live out their lives, some becoming parents, grandparents and eventually dying from old age. Indeed, Alisha Hawthorne dies of old age and is replaced by Commander Burnside who shuts down all future test flights. In one last desperate attempt, Buzz commandeers his spaceship. His mission succeeds. Yet things have radically changed again on the planet. This is essentially where the story begins.
How are the special effects?
Although the narrative can be dull at times, the visual effects are spectacular. I expect Lightyear to be in heavy contention for numerous technical achievement awards next year.
The movie has a PG rating. Can I take my kids?
Although filled with action sequences, one never gets the sense of any impending danger. Also, there’s little emotional investment in the characters. Unlike the Toy Story trilogy, one would be hard pressed to find poignant moments. What’s really disappointing is the creative team decided against further exploration of the bond between Alisha Hawthorne and Buzz. They played well off of one another which could have opened the door to a more compelling movie. Bottom line, kids ages 9 and up should be fine seeing this film. Although, they might get bored.
Are there any ideal moments for Bathroom Breaks?
There are several lulls in the movie. Although the running time clocks in at under 2 hours it feels longer due to the slow pacing of the story. But if you truly didn’t want to miss anything, I would recommend right after Buzz meets Izzy Hawthorne and her crew.
Final Thoughts
The Lightyear creative team missed an opportunity to produce the defining origin story of Buzz Lightyear. Instead we received a predictable, formulaic adventure story with barely a hint of wonder. What audiences wanted was to experience the same joy and amazement Toy Story’s Andy would have felt after viewing the movie that inspired the toy version of Buzz Lightyear. This film wasn’t it.
Overall Grade: C+
Recommended for kids ages 9 and up.
Pros: Disney Pixar’s animation team once again has produced a visually stunning movie.
Cons: The story is downright dull. The “real” Buzz Lightyear pales in comparison to Toy Story’s version. Disney Pixar should have considered a movie using the original Buzz instead.
Official Movie Trailer
Related:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Love podcasts? Catch up and listen to episodes of The CuteMonster Show.
