LIGHTYEAR – “Fires on all cylinders”

lightyear

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Angus MacLane

MAIN CAST

  • Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear
  • Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne
  • Peter Sohn as Sox
  • James Brolin as Emperor Zurg
  • Taika Waititi as Mo Morrison
  • Dale Soules as Darby Steel
  • Uzo Aduba as Alisha Hawthorne
  • Mary McDonald-Lewis as I.V.A.N.
  • Efren Ramirez as Diaz

SYNOPSIS

It is a spin-off of the Toy Story film series, serving as an origin story for the fictional test pilot/astronaut character who the Buzz Lightyear toy

While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Angus McLane’s much buzzed about Buzz Lightyear “origin story” fires on all cylinders! The movie delivers plenty of action, adventure, and, in true Pixar fashion, emotion. But, maybe you were like me and were slightly confused about where this movie fits within the “Toy Story universe” -- is Buzz meant to be a real person or a fictional character? Is this movie meant to have actually happened? Does this mean aliens exist in Andy’s world? Well, don’t worry, the filmmakers answer it all in one onscreen text at the very start: “In 1995, Andy got a toy from his favorite movie...this is that movie.” And with that, we are able to sit back and take in this wholly magical ride with ease. The story plays out in a wonderfully surprising fashion. Heck, there’s even a twist at the end (no spoilers) that I didn’t see coming at all. But, most importantly, you like the characters. You feel for them, and ultimately root for them. And with that, the movie’s voice cast deserves some major nods. For one, Chris Evans takes on the monumental task of voicing Buzz, a character we’ve associated with the voice of Tim Allen for decades. And, well, Evans nails it. He’s earnest, yet heartfelt in his delivery. That is to say that he makes it his own, while still playing just enough into what we are familiar with. Keke Palmer and Taika Waititi are also great here, lending some unique voices to mix. Speaking of unique, let’s not forget the scene stealer that is Sox the robot cat. Not only is Peter Sohn hilarious in his delivery, but the character is as lovable as it is cute. Yes, Pixar does it again folks. Here’s hoping the Lightyear sequel doesn’t take an infinity… and beyond.

BOX OFFICE TOP 5

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