Lightyear (film)

Angus-maclane Buscando a Dory premiere

Mark Kassen, Tony Cárdenas and Chris Evans (cropped)

Lightyear is a 2022 American computer-animated science fiction film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Angus MacLane in his solo directorial debut, the film serves as a spin-off of the Toy Story series. It presents the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the character who inspired the action figure of the same name. Featuring the voice of Chris Evans as the titular character, Lightyear explores the adventures of Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger, as he attempts to find a way back home through space and time after being stranded on a hostile planet with his commander and crew.

Plot

The film begins with Buzz Lightyear and his team marooned on an uncharted planet. Determined to rescue his crew and return to Earth, Buzz embarks on a series of missions through space and time, battling an array of intergalactic threats, including the emergence of his future nemesis, Zurg. Alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion, Sox, voiced by Peter Sohn, Buzz confronts the challenges of the unknown in his quest for a way back home.

Cast

• Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear
• Peter Sohn as Sox, Buzz's robotic cat companion
• Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne, a recruit and granddaughter of Buzz's friend Alisha Hawthorne
• Taika Waititi as Mo Morrison, another recruit
• Dale Soules as Darby Steel, a veteran recruit
• Uzo Aduba as Alisha Hawthorne, Buzz's commander and friend

Production

The concept of Lightyear was inspired by the fictional character Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story series, with the film exploring the backstory of the in-universe character that the toy is based on. Directed by Angus MacLane, who co-directed Finding Dory, the film was announced in December 2020 as a spin-off that would detail the original story of Buzz Lightyear. Chris Evans was cast as the voice of Buzz, bringing a new dimension to the character distinct from Tim Allen's portrayal in the Toy Story films.

Release

Lightyear was released in the United States on June 17, 2022. The film received a mixed reception from critics, who praised its animation and voice performances but were divided on its narrative and its connection to the Toy Story franchise. Despite high expectations, Lightyear underperformed at the box office, which was attributed to various factors including competition from other summer releases and controversies surrounding its content.

Reception

Critics praised Lightyear for its stunning animation quality and Chris Evans' performance as Buzz Lightyear. However, the film's attempt to stand alone while being tied to the beloved Toy Story series received mixed reactions. Some viewers appreciated the fresh take on the character's origin story, while others missed the charm and emotional depth of the original series. The film's inclusion of a same-sex kiss, which led to controversy and a ban in several countries, also impacted its global box office performance.

Themes

Lightyear explores themes of time, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. Buzz's relentless pursuit to return home and his dedication to his mission underscore the film's focus on determination and loyalty. The character's interactions with Sox and the new recruits highlight the value of friendship and collaboration in overcoming obstacles.