Name: Lightyear
Genre: Animation, Science Fiction, Family, Adventure
Released: 2022-06-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules

The opening shot of Lightyear is a stark contrast to Pixar’s usual playful aesthetic: Buzz Lightyear’s helmet, scarred and battle-worn, resting on the dusty surface of an alien planet. It’s a grimy, grounded image that sets the tone for Angus MacLane’s ambitious but uneven spin-off. The film presents itself as a meta-narrative within the Toy Story universe—a concept that could have been fascinating, but instead feels like a missed opportunity.

MacLane, a self-professed sci-fi enthusiast, clearly wanted to pay homage to classic space operas like Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The production design is undeniably impressive; the animators gave the film a “cinematic” and “chunky” look, evoking the science-fiction films MacLane grew up watching. The use of Lego pieces to design vehicles adds a playful touch, though it sometimes clashes with the film’s more serious tone. Michael Giacchino’s score is another highlight, blending epic orchestral swells with synth-driven nostalgia.

The film’s premise—Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) stranded on a hostile planet, attempting to find a way back home while battling time dilation—has potential. The idea of Buzz as a flawed, obsessive hero is intriguing, and Evans brings a gritty determination to the role. His performance captures Buzz’s single-mindedness and heroism, but it lacks the nuance that could have made this character truly compelling. Evans’ voice work is solid, but his portrayal often feels one-note, missing the emotional depth of previous Pixar protagonists.

Keke Palmer’s Izzy Hawthorne provides much-needed levity and heart, and her dynamic with Buzz feels genuine. Palmer’s performance is a standout, bringing warmth and humor to the film. Her character serves as the moral compass and the emotional anchor, grounding Buzz in his humanity. However, the film struggles to balance Izzy’s optimism with Buzz’s obsession, resulting in a narrative that often feels at odds with itself.

The supporting cast is largely forgettable. Taika Waititi’s Mo Morrison provides some comic relief, but his character feels underdeveloped. Waititi’s performance is charming, but Mo’s role in the story is minimal, reducing him to little more than a sidekick. James Brolin’s Zurg is serviceable as the primary antagonist, though his motivations are never fully explored. The film’s attempt to balance humor, action, and emotional depth often results in tonal whiplash.

The film’s pacing is another issue. At nearly two hours, Lightyear feels bloated. The middle act drags as Buzz cycles through failed hyperspace jumps, and the resolution of the time dilation plot feels rushed. The film’s climax, while visually spectacular, lacks emotional weight. The action sequences are well-choreographed and thrilling to watch, but they often feel disconnected from the story’s emotional core.

The film’s use of time dilation as a central conceit is both its strongest and weakest element. The idea of Buzz aging differently than those around him is visually impressive, with creative transitions between timelines. However, the repetitive nature of Buzz’s failed hyperspace jumps becomes tiresome. The film struggles to find a compelling arc within this structure, resulting in a narrative that feels more like a series of set pieces than a cohesive story.

Despite its flaws, Lightyear has moments of brilliance. The IMAX scenes are a standout, with the larger sensor adding a sense of scale and immersion. The action sequences are well-choreographed and thrilling to watch. And Giacchino’s score elevates even the film’s weaker moments, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

The film’s themes of obsession and sacrifice are timely and relevant, but they are not explored as deeply as they could be. Buzz’s single-minded pursuit of a solution to his problem is meant to be a commentary on the dangers of obsession, but the film never fully commits to this idea. Instead, it oscillates between portraying Buzz as a hero and a cautionary tale, resulting in a character that feels inconsistent.

Lightyear is a film that tries too hard to be everything at once—an origin story, a sci-fi epic, a comedy, and a drama. It never quite finds its footing, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed and uneven. The film’s meta-narrative concept is intriguing but underutilized, leaving viewers with a sense of wasted potential.

Ultimately, Lightyear is a film that will likely resonate more with dedicated fans of the Toy Story franchise than with general audiences. Its blend of humor, action, and emotional depth is uneven, but it offers enough moments of brilliance to make it worth watching.