“In 1995, Andy got a toy from his favourite movie. This is that movie.”

It’s the origin story of the origin story. And what a fun, yet very frustratingly pleasant movie this was.

Lightyear follows the adventures of Buzz (voiced by Chris Evans), one of the most respected space rangers, on a mission to get his crew back home after he himself caused a collision, which trapped them on a planet full of bags and octopus-like tentacles that grab you and suck you into the ground. All this with the help of his partner, Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba). As part of the test sequences, a time lapse occurs and Buzz constantly goes forward in time. So far forward, that he eventually meets Izzy (voiced by Keke Palmer), Alisha’s grand daughter. Together with Izzy’s hilarious sidekicks, Mo Morrison (voiced by Taika Waititi) and Darby Steel (voiced by Dale Soules), and a therapy, robot cat named Sox (voiced by Peter Sohn) they continue the mission that Buzz is so desperately trying to complete. However, while he’s doing that, he also needs to fend off those pesky killer robots and their commander Zurg (voiced by James Brolin).

So heres the thing. I fell constantly for the times that Buzz got close to finding a way out. Every time an executed plan touched the surface of victory and complete fulfillment, something would occur which would ground Buzz and co again. Imagine that, times ten. That, starting over and over again factor would get annoying. It seemed like a cheap and easy way to get the movie to 100 minutes. However, underneath it all, it’s about never giving up on the mission, and as long as you get that message, you’ll appreciate it.

As I mentioned, this is supposed to be the movie that Andy watched, which would initiate his obsession with Buzz. I tried to get into that mindset, and without even noticing I did. I completely forgot that Buzz was a toy in Andy’s room, and saw it only as a stand alone.

So, am I the only one that got Captain America vibes? It truly felt as though Chris Evans was reprising his role in only voice mode. But when you compare the Marvel hero to Buzz, there are a lot of similarities. Their compassion and resilience, together with that strict discipline, it all made Evans the perfect candidate for this role.

Waititi is Waititi in all his glory. Exactly how we love him. Though the comic relief is plentiful and shared by all, it’s hard not to miss him, and his usual hilarious style of comedy.

Sox was a massive highlight of the film. I’m trying to think back now as to whether Andy owned a Sox toy, because he plays such an important role. I’d get a Sox before a Buzz, myself. I promise you, you’ll fall in love with that robotic cat. So many family friendly, funny moments come from that cute little thing.

As a Toy Story fan, it’s very hard not to fall in love with Disney Pixar’s Lightyear. But the critique in me can’t oversee it’s flaw I mentioned above. Regardless, it’ll make you laugh, even tear up, and it’ll definitely keep you and the kids entertained.

Rating: 3/5