Lightyear is an incredibly solid entry in the world of Toy Story. It’s visually stunning, action-packed, hilarious and nails the aesthetic of an 80s/90s sci-fi feature. Chris Evans dissolves into the character of Buzz and while Allen is missed, Evans delivers in every regard. 

 

The weight of crafting a spinoff on the basis of the beloved Buzz Lightyear must have been an unimaginable stress on the writers Angus MacLane and Jason Headley, but they are able to flawlessly capture the imagination of the Toy Story films while supplying a wonderful nostalgic flair. Taking the idea that this film is the film that Andy saw in 1995, we are witnessing the film that led him to so badly want a Buzz Lightyear toy in the first place.

 

Chris Evans takes over the reins from Tim Allen, who voiced the Space Ranger over the past 24 years (up to 2019s Toy Story 4). Evans does an admirable job in his voice work here, capturing the arrogant Space Ranger with ease. Lightyear’s story is a remarkable blend of 80s sci-fi adventure and modern day animation. With the adorable addition of the hysterical robotic cat, Sox - the film is endlessly comical with Sox in frame. Sox will instantly become a fan favorite - watch out for all the merch to fly off the shelves. 

 

The direction and animation quality is out of this world and with this being the first Pixar film released in theaters, Lightyear is an epic journey worth the trip.