Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo, Darby, and his robot companion, Sox. As this motley crew tackles their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work together as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army that are never far behind.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana A. comments, “It’s time to go infinity and beyond with your favorite space ranger – Buzz Lightyear! Pixar and Disney bring Buzz like we’ve never seen him in his own animated film, Lightyear. It’s full of epic Buzz backstories, leg-snatching aliens, hilarious scenes and endless space adventures.” Hanadie K. adds, “Lightyear unpacks the life story of the illustrious space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, while demonstrating how his unwavering devotion to humanity and love for space voyages ultimately make him a meta-galactic space hero.” Ashleigh C. wraps it up with, “Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase, “To infinity … and beyond!” applies even more so in this film as he takes us through a whirlwind of emotions. There is the perfect mix of action, accurately timed comedy and dramatic plot twists.” See their full reviews below.
Lightyear
By Tiana Sirmans, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
It’s time to go infinity and beyond with your favorite space ranger – Buzz Lightyear! Pixar and Disney bring Buzz like we’ve never seen him in his own animated film, Lightyear. It’s full of epic Buzz backstories, leg-snatching aliens, hilarious scenes and endless space adventures.
Lightyear follows Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) as he travels to another planet. He spends years trying to return home but clashes with robots led by Zurg (James Brolin) who is trying to steal his fuel. After he attempts to make it off the planet he realizes every time he leaves it fast forwards time. After many failed attempts he ends up 100 years into the future along with a new companion robot cat named SOX (Peter Sohn). He meets a crew of people who end up trying to help him on his mission. Can Buzz make it off this planet?
The main character, Buzz Lightyear, is from the iconic Toy Story franchise. Lightyear is joined by fellow space ranger Alisha Hawthrone (Uzo Aduba) and, eventually, her granddaughter, Izzy Hawthrone (KeKe Palmer) and, of course, Sox (Peter Sohn) the robot cat. Fans of the Toy Story films will love learning more about Buzz’s missions mentioned throughout the Toy Story films, such as his relationship and battles with Zurg. My favorite character in this film is Sox, because he is funny without even trying and his human-like characteristics are even funnier. There is a scene where Buzz is having a tough time clearing his mind and going to sleep. Sox demonstrates different options to help him sleep and eventually starts making “white noises” that sound more like hissing. It is hilarious.
The biggest message throughout Lightyear is that failure happens, and we must never give up on our goals. You never know when something will actually work out for you unless you keep trying. Lightyear also gives a great lesson about working together and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it most. You can accomplish more with a team, than by yourself.
I give Lightyear 4 out 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18. Of course, adults will love it too. Toy Story fans will love getting to know Buzz’s story in this film. Lightyear travels into theaters June 17, 2022.
Lightyear
By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 11
Ever wonder how Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear came to be? Wait no longer. Disney and Pixar join forces to create a spectacular sci-fi action-adventure animated film that answers the burning question, who is Buzz Lightyear? Lightyear unpacks the life story of the illustrious space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, while demonstrating how his unwavering devotion to humanity and love for space voyages ultimately make him a meta-galactic space hero.
In the animated film, Lightyear, Buzz (Chris Evan) recruits eager scientists and space technicians, Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer), Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi) and Darby (Dale Soules) along with his robot sidekick Sox (Peter Sohn) to join him on his quest to defeat the evil Zurg and his loyal robot army.
In this movie, Buzz Lightyear finds himself deserted on a hostile planet. Buzz cannot get his crew out of this foreign world and ultimately shoulders all the blame for this malfunction. However, he is persistent and refuses to abandon his assignment despite several failed attempts. While Buzz Lightyear devotes his life to this undertaking, his crew eventually decides to abort the mission and live their everyday lives. While this film’s storyline is captivating and nail-biting, the animation makes the film. Nearly 20 years after the release of Toy Story, Lightyear showcases the evolution of CGI animated films. Pixar transformed a timeless toy character into one with human characteristics and still makes the story believable.
The message of this film is one of resilience, tenacity and willpower. Buzz Lightyear never gives up on his dreams, despite being given every reason to quit. He fights until his final hour to overcome every obstacle thrown his way; still, he preserves. Lightyear also reminds us that if we do not reserve time to appreciate those around us, we may miss that opportunity. It’s important to note that the film shows a same-sex marriage and kissing that may be controversial.
I give Lightyear 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 14, plus adults. It is available in theaters June 17, 2022. If you are a die-hard Toy Story fan or love action-packed, intergalactic robot war movies, you will not want to miss Lightyear.
Lightyear
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18
Epic and intergalactic! Lightyear is the backstory we didn’t know we needed. Among all of Disney’s animated films released this year, Lightyear is my number one considering how unique it is.
Lightyear reveals the backstory of Buzz Lightyear, a Space Ranger, the character originally depicted as a toy action figure in the 1995 Pixar film Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) undertakes a mission to return the human race back home as they are currently on a foreign planet. However, he faces some challenges to do so, resulting in his need for a team. Will Buzz be able to finish the mission?
Buzz Lightyear’s famous catchphrase, “To infinity … and beyond!” applies even more so in this film as he takes us through a whirlwind of emotions. There is the perfect mix of action, accurately timed comedy and dramatic plot twists. Growing up watching the Toy Story series with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), it took me awhile to grasp the voice of someone else playing this iconic voice. However, what makes this film incredible is that it captures an entirely new perspective on the character that we knew and loved. Lightyear also uncovers many new doors. That being said, I can’t wait to see how Lightyear matures in new films and adventures. I highly recommend seeing this film in IMAX as much of the film is seen in space and there are many times the audience is enveloped as if they are in the space ship along with Buzz himself. This Pixar film is among the most diverse I have ever seen.
The message of the film is that our friends and family are our teammates throughout our greatest missions.
I give Lightyear 5 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters June 17, 2022. You won’t want to miss it!
Keywords: Angus MacLane, Jason Headley, Angus MacLane, Matthew Aldrich, Galyn Susman, Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, James Brolin, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, Uzo Aduba, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jeremy Lasky, Ian Megibben, Anthony J. Greenberg, Michael Giacchino, Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Trailer:
