Movies

Lightyear movie review

To infinity? Beyond? What’s the buzz?

What’s it about?

In 1995 Andy got a Buzz Lightyear toy.

Buzz Lightyear was from his favourite movie.

This is that movie.

What did we think?

Anthony Sherratt says: Lightyear is a delightful origin story that successfully straddles a line of being serious without losing the comedy roots of the character, Buzz – voiced by Captain America/Chris Evans – starts very seriously and warms into a more relaxed personality (sound familiar?). His character feels responsible for a starship being stranded on a dangerous planet and acts as a test pilot to make amends. The catch is the time dilation that comes with fast space travel: every time he takes a quick trip, years pass on the planet.

This makes for an interesting but poignant story that hits the right chords even when it’s sad. Thankfully it provides more laughs and a tonne of homage sci-fi moments that keep you engaged. While it isn’t groundbreaking, it is highly polished and a heck of a lot of fun. 9/10

Stephen Scott says: Lightyear is an origin story that takes a space ranger into unexpected territories, introduces a whole new cast of miscreants (and a talking robot cat), and gives us an insight into the dynamic love / hate relationship he has with Zurg. 

It’s fun, could possibly spawn its own sequels, and will be forgotten quickly.

A spin-off that is, but isn’t a spin-off. A prequel that is, but isn’t a prequel. Lightyear takes a familiar character and gives him the origin story none of us need, but are glad to enjoy the ride.

Calculating rating (meow meow meow meow meow meow meow meow). 8/10

8.5
infinite
It's schroedinger's Buzz (it's Buzz but not Buzz) but wonderfully entertaining.
Anthony has been reviewing movies for over 30 years (it may be longer now as he may have forgotten to add an extra year on). He lectures in journalism at the prestigious Queensland University of Technology and in addition to freelance writing, works with the charity Hands Across The Water. In a busy life, insomnia is his friend.
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