Movie Review: Lightyear Soars Into My Existential Heart
In all my Disney reviews, I marvel at this giant’s moral power. They, literally, are the creators of some of the biggest myths of our times, and all myths are based on some moral lesson. They are not imbalanced or hidden in their desire to make sure you know where they stand in some spiritual, “good person” viewpoint. In Lightyear, the message was clear: team work makes the dream work.
While some may be waiting to see a Toy Story reference, Lightyear feels closer to Tom Hanks´ Apollo 13 than this beloved, animated film series. While the movie does have its goofiness and Sox, Buzz´s emotional support, robot cat that also knows quantum physics and will be THE CHRISTMAS TOY OF 2022, the film is surprisingly serious and poignant, particularly for adults.
Growing up, I feel like I grab regrets like banana peels on Mario Kart; I think I am driving steady when suddenly Princess Peach drives me off the Rainbow Bridge. I digress. Yet, Chris Evans vocally emotes a sadness and remorse that I never knew Buzz to have. Obviously, we know the character as Andy’s toy and Woody´s best bud. He is an overzealous and optimistic hero, but the “real Lightyear” is a lot more heartbroken, lost, and, while still overeager and positive, he is not the most open to others. That inability to stay in place, feel content with what he has, and let others join in and take the lead of situations is why Lightyear felt as existential and intellectual as Soul.
From Toy Story 4 to Turning Red, Disney´s most recent years have offered cultural phenomenas that are colorful, bright, quotable, and deeply plucking at people’s fears that, perhaps, they are not living their best life. I have to say for a “character piece,” Lightyear did not truly have a villain. Sure, there are evil robots that want to take over the world and Zurg, but, to be honest, Buzz’s worst enemy is himself, which, again, is why the entrance of his team is a vital turning point to adding joy and hilarity to this film.
As Buzz unites with Sox (Peter Sohn), Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer), Darby Steel (Dale Soules), and Mo Morrison (Take Waititi), he learns that everyone you meet, for however crazy or vulnerable they are, can have something to offer you in strength. Keke Palmer is so sweet and exciting as the voice of Izzy : a rookie ready to grow and become a legend. Taika Waititi has fully and vocally encompassed the adorableness of being haphazard and aloof but still kind. Meanwhile, Dale Soules is hilarious as the wild card Darby. Also, have I mentioned the brilliance of Peter Sohn´s Sox? Well, let me do it again.
Written and directed by Angus Maclane, the first half of Lightyear really embeds in Buzz’s insecurities, after failing his mission to bring a spaceship full of human beings to a more habitable planet. The second half feels much lighter and funner. In this sense, I loved that Lightyear did not shy away from truly milking that its lead was not a hero, especially to himself. Yet, like Buzz learned as a toy, in a way, he did as an astronaut, as well; no man is an island. Lightyear comes out June 17.
