The Mosley Review: Lightyear
You know what I haven't seen in a long time? A fun space adventure film. Yeah sure there are space based films that are more serious and accurate to today's technology or even some explore a more dystopian or utopian future, but they're heavy. This film went back to a basic level of exploration and adventure that reminded me of films like Apollo 13, Lost in Space and it also had many influences of classic action films of the 60's and 70's. It was campy, over the top and fast paced as it should be. There is the classic Pixar style of storytelling that will hit your heart pretty hard and by the end uplift you. There are times where the film’s momentum is disrupted by the comedic moments that range from hilarious to just stopping the plot. I really felt at times the comedy was dangerously starting to over take the journey of the main character's growth. The message in the film was quickly understood and it may have felt right out of any Saturday morning cartoon, but it was still executed in a fun action packed manor.
Chris Evans takes on the role of our favorite Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear and he was perfect. He delivered the headstrong and savior mentality of Buzz. His performance commanded the screen and kept you wanting to see him succeed. The more tender moments for Buzz were the more interesting moments as we get to know him on a personal level and how his friends uplift him. Uzo Aduba was outstanding and heartwarming as his fellow Space Ranger Alisha Hawthorne. Her chemistry with Buzz was truly fantastic and I loved every second they were on screen together. If the film was just about their adventures, then it would've been perfect. Peter Sohn steals the film as the adorable, hilarious and useful robotic cat Sox. Throughout the film, he shines as he is not only just cute, but also essential to the plot. Keke Palmer was fun as Alisha's granddaughter, Izzy Hawthorne. She stumbles around, but she has that same adventurous and brave spirit her grandmother had. I liked that she had a name to live up to and how she gains Buzz's respect was natural and fun. Taika Waititi was funny and sometimes annoying as Mo Morrison. He was the constant klutz of the film which sometimes made me not like the amount of slapstick clumsiness. There is a balance when it comes to comedy in these films and at times he made it unbalanced. Dale Soules was cool as former convict Darby Steel. She may have had the ruff exterior and snarky attitude, but she has a good side to her and it was fun to see her let loose in the action sequences. James Brolin was fantastic as Emperor Zurg and even though there is a alternate take to the character’s motivation, he was still an awesome villain and had an epic fight scene.
The score by the busiest composer in Hollywood, Michael Giachinno, was big and sometimes repetitive. I loved the large scale sound and his themes really did nail the sci fi action serials of the 60's and 70’s while giving it a modern touch. Visually the film was stunning as expected from Pixar, but it really shines during the action and hyperspeed travel. Given that this was the origin story for the toy version of Buzz from the Toy Story franchise, it felt like a stand alone film and not really a spinoff. Its good, but also bad since it spends some time trying to tie it to the Toy Story films. If there's any real complaints, I just wish the comedy was toned down since it really pulls you out of the tension of the story. All that aside, I still enjoyed myself and I thought it was fun space adventure for all to enjoy. Do stick around for the 3 end credits scenes. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
