Lightyear Reaches The Stars With Its Exciting Space Expedition: A High Five Movie Review

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Lightyear Reaches The Stars With Its Exciting Space Expedition: A High Five Movie Review

By: Jia Jarin

 

Have you seen Disney and Pixar’s much awaited Lightyear yet? The iconic Toy Story franchise has become a formula for definite success and heartwarming magic ever since its first installment in 1995. Being the feature film that audiences of all ages have grown to love, this prequel will captivate you to an intergalactic adventure as a space ranger like Andy.

Being the actual film that made Andy want to buy a Buzz Lightyear toy, Lightyear (2022) is a space voyage spin-off set outside of the Toy Story universe— brimming with awesomeness and out-of-this-world animation.

Here’s our High Five Lightyear review which may convince you to watch it (again) with kids and fellow kids-at-heart.

Interstellar Plot

There is no such thing as too many sci-fi movies; Lightyear stands out with its ambitious storytelling and intricate universe— from star command missions and space ranger suit technology to fight scenes with robots and laser shields. Time travel and time dilation were also sprinkled on top to complete the futuristic plot. Furthermore, the movie is applauded for its diversity as it introduces Buzz’s best friend Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) as a Black and LGBTQIA+ character.

Majestic Animation

Without a doubt, Pixar continues to deliver top-notch CGI animation through Lightyear. Every second of the film leaves you in awe of the thoughtfully placed details like the burst of colors during Buzz’s hyperspeed or the small scratches on the space ranger suits. Each Pixar release just raises the standards of what a world-class animated movie should look like.

Ambitious, Ragtag Crew of Space Ranger Rookies

Another delight is how Lightyear gave a spotlight to the underdogs who became critical to the space ranger mission and Buzz’s character arc—astrophobic millennial Izzy (voiced by Keke Palmer), skinny coward Mo (voiced by Taika Waititi), and elderly convict Darby (voiced by Dale Soules). Although rookies-having-to-prove-themselves is a common storyline, these space ranger interns are essential in sparking the viewers’ interest (especially our young dreamers and world-changers) in science and technology.

Cosmic Sidekick

Sox, an all-around robo-cat, was introduced to complete the Space Ranger team. Having the task of being Buzz’s personal companion and eventually solving all tech-related matters, Sox’s character shined the brightest in the film as he became a bundle of joy and served as Baymax in cat form. Whether he’s spinning his head while he ‘beep-boops’ to detect Buzz’s presence or he’s shooting surprise sleeping darts from his mouth: the adorable robo-cat swoons the audience with his role of giving genuine emotional support and hilarious lines.

Sterling Themes

What’s captivating about Lightyear is the abundant learning moments that were naturally inserted throughout the film. Buzz (voiced by Chris Evans) realizes that his stubbornness to succeed made him neglect other important parts of his life— Hawthorne’s marriage, her family, and his own experiences. More importantly, the film’s take on teamwork is commendable as most family movies emphasize too much on inner strength. As Buzz works together with Izzy, Mo, and Darby, he recognizes that he cannot do it alone, leading him to share his burdens and allow people to help him. In a world where strength and independence are extremely encouraged, Lightyear’s reminders of making mistakes and helping each other be the best version of ourselves were pleasant nuggets of wisdom that audiences can keep in mind.

The Verdict

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear soars to infinity and beyond with 4 out of 5 waves. It’s a charming, lighthearted escape and brings you back to the wonders of being a kid who is always looking for the next adventure.

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Lightyear is now showing in cinemas nationwide.