Lightyear Review: Pixar's Better Version of Interstellar

Buzz Lightyear gets a rousing and deeply emotional backstory in another wonderful Pixar adventure. The gallant Space Ranger that captivated our imaginations in the Toy Story franchise learns the value of friendship. His stubborn quest to correct a perceived mistake forces him to confront formidable adversaries. Buzz battles teleporting robots, their mysterious master Zurg, and the complex nature of time itself. He gains a motley crew of unlikely allies and a spectacular feline robot sidekick. Sox will have audiences of all ages laughing and cheering out loud.

In the future, a behemoth spaceship leaves Earth to colonize a distant world. The crew and passengers sleep away the long journey. Lead pilot Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) is awakened by the ship's computer. Sensors detect another habitable planet outside of their programmed trajectory. Buzz makes the fateful decision to deviate off course and investigate.

Buzz alerts his commanding officer and best friend, Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba). She mocks Buzz's self-narration as they explore the strange planet. The advance team is attacked by alien insects and snatching vines; which quickly turn their attention to the docked ship. Buzz blames himself when they are marooned in a hostile place. The ship runs out of the crystalline fuel that enables faster than light travel. Buzz volunteers to fly a fighter that tests a new fuel source. He swears to Alisha that he'll figure out a way to get the colonists back into space.

A Better Animated Version of Interstellar

Lightyear can be described as a better animated version of Interstellar. Buzz's efforts cannot escape the laws of physics and relativity. Time passes on the planet with every attempt to beat light speed. He returns to a colony that changes dramatically as decades pass. Buzz becomes more obsessed with achieving a seemingly impossible goal. He misses a lifetime of relationships. These scenes pack a heartfelt wallop. Tears will flow like rivers as Buzz refuses to accept defeat.

Buzz's headstrong persona continually hinders his progress. He's overconfident in his abilities. Buzz trusts Alisha and no one else. This obstinate behavior leads to bigger problems as the narrative develops. A robot siege of the colony needs more than a one-man show. Buzz's heroics can only go so far. He finds back up in a gang of goofy rejects. They idolize Buzz, but he doesn't take their contributions seriously. The film teaches that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Listening and teamwork will always find answers before arrogance.

Sox in Lightyear

Buzz is given a support robot after his first failed attempt. He ignores the feline therapy until Sox's (Peter Sohn) other skills surface. The clever companion can do more than just cuddle and purr. Sox is a Swiss Army Knife in furry robotic form. He steals the show completely with big laughs.

Lightyear depicts alternative lifestyles in a straightforward manner. Alisha is a lesbian. She marries and has children. Buzz is happy when his dear friend finds the right girl. Her sexuality isn't celebrated. It's just a basic fact about the character and shouldn't be viewed as controversial in any way.

The animation isn't spectacular. The film looks good, but I was expecting to be dazzled. Pixar's clear focus was on a well-written script with great characters. I can give them a pass for standard visuals. Lightyear is a tremendously entertaining film. It's warm and funny with a sense of honest feelings. Your heart will soar to infinity and beyond.

Lightyear is a production of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. It will be released exclusively in theaters on June 17th.