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ANDY'S ROOM — Buzz Lightyear was a pretty great toy when he made his debut all the way back in 1995. He had a wingsuit, lasers and all sorts of cool buttons.
Ever wonder who Buzz actually is? What Star Command is? Why being a space ranger is such a big deal and why his action figure was so popular?
Well, even if you've never asked those questions, you're about to get those answers in "Lightyear."
Pixar and Disney's latest collaboration tells the story of Buzz Lightyear and how he became the space ranger that Andy and all his friends wanted to be like. Sorry, Woody.
"Lightyear" has some fun moments and action scenes, but is it worth a trip to the theater?
Here are some reasons I enjoyed "Lightyear" and others that make it a mid-tier Pixar movie.
To infinity, and beyond
Side characters make it fun
We all know who Buzz is, but there is a much bigger cast of characters in "Lightyear" and for my money I would have rather had the toy of some of these secondary players.
A ragtag group of space rangers help Buzz in his adventure and they are the best part of the movie. Well, them and Sox, the robotic cat. The characters Darby, Izzy and Mo steal the show, alongside the manufactured feline. Taika Waititi voices Mo and I could not get enough of him.
The trailers have led many to believe that "Lightyear" is a very serious movie. There are certainly serious moments, but thanks to these characters and some running gags, the movie is quite funny and will keep the kiddos interested. It will also get a few laughs out of the parents in a bad mood thanks to expensive movie tickets, more expensive theater snacks and that car that cut them off on the way to the movie.
It's a unique brand of nostalgic
It's interesting because outside of Buzz and Zurg, we don't really know any of those characters, but the whole thing feels familiar.
There is a potential spoiler here, so skip past this part if you'd like to avoid it.
At the first of the movie a title card appears revealing that Andy, from the original "Toy Story," fell in love with Buzz thanks to his favorite movie. "Lightyear" is supposed to be that movie.
That simple beginning makes the entire movie feel like a nostalgic piece of cinema that we loved as kids even though we've never seen a frame of this movie. It's hard to explain unless you see it, but going into the movie with that knowledge changed the viewing experience for me in a very good way.
Not to infinity, certainly not beyond
It's a slow start
My biggest complaint about "Lightyear" is its slow start. There is a fair amount of action and plot, but I was disengaged. I'd have to say the "seriousness" some of you were concerned about is on display in the first third of the movie.
After we get over that hump, these other characters I previously mentioned show up and give the movie a much needed shot to the arm. Once we got there I was much more invested in the movie, but it really struggled to catch me at the start.
Doesn't live up to originality, creativity of Pixar's greats
I think, partially due to the slow start, that "Lightyear" isn't up there with the best of Pixar. The studio is known for creating some fantastic movies that aren't just great for kids and families, but are all around great films. I don't think "Lightyear" gets there.
I would put "Lightyear" ahead of the likes of "Cars 2" and "Turning Red," but it has a lot of space to make up to catch up to the likes of "Inside Out, "Up" or "Ratatouille." There is heart, humor and action, but it's missing some of that particular Pixar magic.
Should I go see it?
While I had my issues with "Lightyear," I didn't dislike the movie. I thought it was a fun trip to the theater for the most part and most importantly, my kids had a ball.
It's a movie I think the kids will have fun with and the parents will not just tolerate, but enjoy.
"Lightyear" is officially rated PG for action/peril.
