Lightyear was a movie I was wishy-washy on. On one hand, it was a spinoff on a beloved Toy Story character. On the other hand, it’s not like there was much to do after Toy Story 4. I guess the alternative was to gamble on the movie Andy, supposedly, had fallen in-love with in 1995. Regardless of whether it’d be successful, it was Pixar. They’ve made the unlikely work quite frequently, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt.
The movie follows Buzz Lightyear, space ranger, in his attempt to right a wrong and help his colony get back into orbit. Doing so requires testing hyper-speed, but there’s a catch: for every attempt he makes, he loses several years in real time. And when his first successful attempt causes him to lose more than usual, Buzz wonders if it was worth it. Complicating matters is a ship that’s invaded the planet and is intent on capturing him for…reasons, with his only chance at victory being in the hands of inexperienced cadets.
I like the replacement voice for Buzz. I know Tim Allen’s associated with the character, but Chris Evans makes him his own. He gives Buzz a warm arrogance that remains dignified, a complete contrast to Allen’s charming cluelessness, and it works given Lightyear’s about living in the moment. Plus, hearing Captain America’s voice is a nice reminder that Evans can play arrogance too.
The rest of the cast is also spot-on, with an attention to diversity being the big focus. Obvious standouts are Taika Waititi and Josh Brolin. The former plays the weird oddball Waititi has nailed down to a science, and I love it. The latter was an interesting choice, especially since he voices the villain, but Brolin’s up to the task. He takes his Zurg in an original direction, and while it could’ve stood for a rewrite or two, it’s not bad. It’s different than the standard twist-villain Pixar’s infamous for.
The visuals are pretty unique. Cartoonish photorealism isn’t anything new for Pixar, but since this is set in the Toy Story year of 1995, it’s striking to see how detailed the world and character designs are. It looks like a live-action science-fiction movie in animated form, complete with the lived-in grit you’d expect. It’s a choice, that’s for sure.
I’d now like to address the first of the film’s two controversies: the lesbian kiss. There’s a brief moment during Buzz’s hyper-speed montage where he returns to his best-friend celebrating her pregnancy with her partner. They kiss for a second, and the montage continues. Initially, this wasn’t even going to be in the final cut, only brought back in because of the backlash. Many critics have called this “brainwashing”, but I call it “acknowledging reality”. Gay couples exist, and it’s high-time they’re acknowledged.
I’d now like to address the first of the film’s two controversies: the lesbian kiss. There’s a brief moment during Buzz’s hyper-speed montage where he returns to his best-friend celebrating her pregnancy with her partner. They kiss for a second, and the montage continues. Initially, this wasn’t even going to be in the final cut, only brought back in because of the backlash. Many critics have called this “brainwashing”, but I call it “acknowledging reality”. Gay couples exist, and it’s high-time they’re acknowledged.
The other controversy involves how “this is a lame favourite movie for Andy to love”. Firstly, he could’ve done a lot worse. And secondly, so what? Andy was 6 years old! My favourite movies when I was a child were films like Inspector Gadget and Born to Be Wild. Not every movie children like is good, and that’s okay. Because they’re kids.
It's a shame these controversies are getting in the way of the film’s high-points. Like how detailed it is. Or Michael Giacchino’s excellent score. Or how Felicia Hawthorne’s final message to Buzz is a gut punch. As someone whose Zaidy passed away recently, that got to me.
If one aspect needs work, it’s the twist-villain. Having Zurg as an older, more jaded Buzz from another timeline is neat in theory, but his motivation needed tweaking. He’s basically an incel who wants to relive the glory days. Ignoring how much of a stretch that is, it’s messy in execution. Also, that post-credits tease is pushing it. Pixar’s really gunning for a sequel?
All in all, I enjoyed Lightyear. Is it great? No. Has Pixar made better movies? Yes. But it could’ve been a whole lot worse too. I’d say to check it…even if I’d have much preferred something like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
All in all, I enjoyed Lightyear. Is it great? No. Has Pixar made better movies? Yes. But it could’ve been a whole lot worse too. I’d say to check it…even if I’d have much preferred something like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
On the subject of entertainment that I enjoyed more than expected, Obi-Wan Kenobi was pretty good. I’d have watched it anyway, I’m a sucker for Star Wars, but I was hesitant. It takes place within the 19-year gap of the third Prequel movie and the first Original movie. Because the main character has plot armour, I didn’t think tension or stakes could be possible.
I was wrong. Obi-Wan Kenobi isn’t only a good series, it’s one of the better Star Wars shows. And by making it about Obi-Wan overcoming his trauma as a Jedi Master, which is made explicit in the opening montage, it not only enhances the Prequels, it also remedies some inconsistencies in the Original Trilogy. These include why Obi-Wan calls Darth Vader “Darth” and why Leia chose Obi-Wan with the Death Star plans. Kudos!
Set 10 years after the downfall of The Galactic Republic, the show follows an emotionally downtrodden Obi-Wan as he struggles on Tatooine. When Leia’s kidnapped by smugglers on Alderaan, he’s reluctant to help. Only when he realizes that her kidnapping wasn’t an accident, and that she’s part of a plot to draw him out, does he decide to rescue her. Along the way, Obi-Wan comes to terms with his past, regains his confidence and makes peace with The Force.
The key is the relationship Obi-Wan has with Leia. We all knew that Ewan MacGregor was good as Obi-Wan, but it was undetermined how he’d fair alongside a child actress. Fortunately, they make a great pair. Obi-Wan and Leia work so well together that I was shocked to discover that Leia wasn’t Vivian Lyra Blair’s first role. I see greatness in her future…
It also helps flesh out Leia. Leia’s always been tricky, in that she has plenty of personality in the films, but little in the way of character development. Each of her appearances had her already established, but the steps in-between weren’t filled in. We were simply told to accept it, and that bothered me. Giving Leia development and screen-time, aside from proving that a Star Wars show’s success relies on having a child in the main cast, was a pleasant change.
The rest of the cast is also stellar. I especially enjoyed Moses Ingram as The Third Sister. Ingram received plenty of backlash for her turn as an Inquisitor hunting for Obi-Wan, and I don’t get it. She’s easily one of the show’s best characters! Then again, no one hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans…
The last actor of note is Hayden Christensen. He, essentially, returns as Anakin Skywalker. It’s nice to see a redemption for someone who was done dirty, as he demonstrates that he can act. It takes a while to adjust to him being the stand-in for Darth Vader, however, especially since the late-David Prowse made the role. But it works.
I was surprised Alderaan got a lot more screen-time. The planet never felt like its own character previously, instead feeling like a plot point. But now we get to see life from the perspective of those living on it. We see how well-off it is, and even get a real taste of classist commentary. It makes its inevitable destruction more tragic.
The rest of the cast is also stellar. I especially enjoyed Moses Ingram as The Third Sister. Ingram received plenty of backlash for her turn as an Inquisitor hunting for Obi-Wan, and I don’t get it. She’s easily one of the show’s best characters! Then again, no one hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans…
The last actor of note is Hayden Christensen. He, essentially, returns as Anakin Skywalker. It’s nice to see a redemption for someone who was done dirty, as he demonstrates that he can act. It takes a while to adjust to him being the stand-in for Darth Vader, however, especially since the late-David Prowse made the role. But it works.
I was surprised Alderaan got a lot more screen-time. The planet never felt like its own character previously, instead feeling like a plot point. But now we get to see life from the perspective of those living on it. We see how well-off it is, and even get a real taste of classist commentary. It makes its inevitable destruction more tragic.
The action sequences are a pleasant step up from The Prequels. The lightsaber duels in particular feel more weighty and gritty, instead of being over-choreographed dancing. These are Force-wielders in their prime. They’re superheroes! So having them fight like dancers is lame, while having them tap their blades is equally as lame. The balance is struck here.
There are also subtle commentaries that serve as parallels to reality. The moment where Obi-Wan encounters a homeless Clonetrooper is a nod to how army vets are treated by society. Obi-Wan’s ally being an Imperial spy with war guilt shows how military personnel experience PTSD. And The Third Sister’s entire arc is about the dangers of revenge, and how that damages the psyche. Even Obi-Wan’s inability to connect with the spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn demonstrates how guilt overrides being grounded with reality.
I really enjoyed Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is it perfect? No. Some episodes could’ve been trimmed, and I see how this could’ve been better as a movie. I also think some of the flashbacks are awkward, and the editing’s a bit jumpy. And while I knew in advance that The Grand Inquisitor’s death wouldn’t stick, the reveal left some unanswered questions. But that’s nitpicking for an otherwise fantastic series, one you should absolutely see.
So there you have it: my thoughts on two pieces of entertainment. Are you happy now, algorithm?
There are also subtle commentaries that serve as parallels to reality. The moment where Obi-Wan encounters a homeless Clonetrooper is a nod to how army vets are treated by society. Obi-Wan’s ally being an Imperial spy with war guilt shows how military personnel experience PTSD. And The Third Sister’s entire arc is about the dangers of revenge, and how that damages the psyche. Even Obi-Wan’s inability to connect with the spirit of Qui-Gon Jinn demonstrates how guilt overrides being grounded with reality.
I really enjoyed Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is it perfect? No. Some episodes could’ve been trimmed, and I see how this could’ve been better as a movie. I also think some of the flashbacks are awkward, and the editing’s a bit jumpy. And while I knew in advance that The Grand Inquisitor’s death wouldn’t stick, the reveal left some unanswered questions. But that’s nitpicking for an otherwise fantastic series, one you should absolutely see.
So there you have it: my thoughts on two pieces of entertainment. Are you happy now, algorithm?
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