LIGHTYEAR

4 out of 5 stars

Finally, Pixar has come BACK to movie theaters! Onward was the last one to do so, which essentially was forever ago. And believe you me, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars Lightyear wasn’t dumped on Disney+ because it’s a stunning sight to see. A splendid sci-fi action adventure that belongs up on the big screen.

Colored in Pixar’s typical top-shelf animation, Chris Evans excellently personifies our favorite Space Ranger. Not hearing Tim Allen’s voice is weird at first, yet Evans is a perfect fit, exceeding in every way imaginable. Keke Palmer, Dale Soules, and Taika Waititi voice Buzz’s team that he may not have wanted but absolutely needed. They each take their respective characters and give them fantabulous personalities and purpose. But the true scene-stealer is Sox (Peter Sohn), a precious robotic cat that’s full of surprises, delivering big laughs in the process.

A total blast to watch, this space saga is equally exhilarating and emotional. Themes of the value of time, living up to your family’s name, admitting when you need help, and how we define what home is are exquisitely explored by director Angus MacLane. He’s constructed a vastly imaginative, immersive, and transportive world without leaning heavily into Toy Story nostalgia. Howbeit, there’s plenty here to reminisce about as to the Buzz we met in Andy’s room all those years ago. Families will love going on our hero’s out of this world, heartfelt journey that without a doubt soars to infinity and beyond.

Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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