Buzz Lightyear's origin movie hits theaters

For everyone who loves movies Toy Story (i.e. everyone who has watched it, lol), Lightyear has a special appeal. The animation, which opens in theaters this Thursday, is an addendum to the story of Andy and his toys. In the very first minute of Lightyear, a card announces that this was Andy’s favorite movie. And that’s why his mother gave him a Buzz Lightyear toy. That alone provokes a special involvement, an empathy for what follows. but there’s more…

The story follows the legendary space ranger. Due to a problem, he and his ship’s passengers end up stranded on a hostile planet 4.2 million light years from Earth, T’Kani Prime. Buzz is not satisfied with this and tries at all costs to find a way back home through space and time alongside his commander and his team. But time passes (but not for everyone). That’s when the situation changes and a group of ambitious recruits and the charming robot cat companion, Sox, join the hero. To complicate matters, Zurg, an imposing presence, and his army of ruthless robots want to dominate everything.

What did I find?

The film is awash with references. Not just the movies Toy Story – To the Infinite and Onward is just one of them. But also all the great science fiction classics. That includes Star Trek, Star Wars, Alien, 2001 – A Space Odyssey, among many. That already conquers. But the story is also good. it has the message that it is important to work in a group, trust others, and accept people for who they are. There’s even a gay couple in the movie that made Lightyear was banned in several countries. A pity, as everything is presented with great delicacy and respect. The problem, however, is that the story takes a little too long to pick up. The movie is 1h45, but with about 15 minutes less, it could work better.

But all this is excusable for the charm of Buzz, his companions – of all times – and especially the Sox kitten. Another one of those Disney hits, which will surely sell a lot of toys (I want one too, is Disney?). Haha! I saw the movie in the dubbed version, that is, without Chris Evans’s portrayal of the original in the title role. The experience will have to wait until the movie debuts on Disney Plus. Around here, Buzz’s dubbing was done by Marcos Mion. He’s fine, so much so that I didn’t realize it was him until I saw the end credits. Haha!

Not the end of course Lightyear it’s not a classic like Toy Story, but it works and fun. Especially if you’re a science fiction fan.

the documentary

Accompanying the premiere of the cinema, Disney+ made the documentary available To Infinity and Beyond: Buzz and His Journey to Be Lightyear. Features filmmakers, storytellers, artists and Lightyear voice cast members. The production also details how Buzz’s original design came about and how that look translated years later into the real-life hero of the new film. According to Disney, the documentary aims to show what is in infinity. And also delve into the cultural impact of the flying toy and its importance to Pixar filmmakers.