‘Lightyear’ not a stellar addition to Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ universe
(July 12, 2022) — Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) were the focus of the original “Toy Story,” but the rest of the toys stole the show. This combination helped turn that film into a masterpiece.
In Pixar’s new film “Lightyear,” the secondary characters once again command the viewer’s attention. Yet, it is not quite enough to save the film.
Chris Evans does an admirable job taking over the reigns as Buzz Lightyear. At first it seemed sacrilege to replace Allen; however, the “Lightyear” plot necessitated the change.
An opening title card explains that Andy, the boy from the original “Toy Story,” bought his Buzz Lightyear doll based on the film Andy loved so much. “Lightyear” is that film. Thus, the Buzz from all the “Toy Story” films is just a toy based on a character from a film within the greater universe. It’s a little hard to grasp the logic, but it’s essential to understanding the Buzz we see onscreen.
Buzz is paired up with his superior officer, Commander Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba), on a mission to transport thousands of humans to a viable world. After getting stuck on a planet on which they would prefer not to remain, Buzz tries to find a way to leave. And tries … and tries … and tries.
Unexpected turn
During his efforts, the plot takes an unexpected, and poignant, turn. I have said it before that no one does it better than Pixar at getting you to cry at every single one of its films.
It takes about half the movie, but Buzz finally pairs up with a ragtag group of cadets. The three cadets and their robot friend bring much-needed comic relief and a bit of pathos as they go about trying to save everyone from the evil Zerg.
Prior to this film, all we knew of Buzz Lightyear was the buffoonish “Toy Story” version. The never-give-up version in “Lightyear” shows a side of Buzz that clearly made an impression on Andy. However, this version would have never worked in “Toy Story.” He also lacks the charm necessary to carry an entire film.
“Lightyear” would have probably been best as a multi-episode TV special. It would also have been just fine as another one of Pixar’s made-for-TV movies set in the “Toy Story” universe.
The fact that “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red” were all sent straight to streaming while “Lightyear” got a full summer theater release probably speaks more to the pandemic than the quality of those other films.
“Lightyear” is not the film Pixar should have used to leap back into the 4,000-screen game. At worst, it’s an I.P. cash grab. At best, it’s a mildly pleasant adventure film. B-
Streaming TV
“Slow Horses.” (Apple+) This masterfully crafted, six-part British crime show with always-stellar Gary Oldman wastes none of its 43 minutes per episode. Oldman “runs” Slough House, a dumping ground for MI-5 castoffs. After a hostage crisis falls in their lap, they must prove they belong. Oft-times funny, even during suspenseful scenes, this is one of the best shows so far this decade.
“Westworld.” (HBO Max) For those who tuned out after season two or three, season four of “Westworld” has, so far, been a welcome return to its roots. Several familiar faces are back, and the plot is wonderfully easy to follow. Yet, there is still much mystery. The big question after the second episode: Why did they create a theme park based in the Roaring ’20s?
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Jeff Mellinger
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord.