Light Year

Buzz Lightyear is a character that has been one of the most looked after even when he was in the background, since the days of yore. I mean since the time you and I fell in love with this Toy universe. At least I was a teenager when got introduced to them, and Buzz forever has my heart, and his attitude always made me curious as to what has this character been through.

And by the looks of it, it seems I am not the only curious child-adult out there because even writers Angus MacLane, Jason Headley, and Matthew Aldrich feel the same. The three write a movie that is about a man who has seen the most unusual circumstances in life. Not only has he traveled in space for 62 years but aged only 62 days, but saw an entire generation decease and a new form, while he was stuck in the same year of his life.

The best part about this script is that they acknowledge the fact that a viewer who would opt to watch Lightyear will know who their Buzz is. There is no special effort to include a flashback or an introduction (which might also back fire because people do tend to watch movies randomly without a pretext). For a fan like me, this felt like an assurance that my cinematic knowledge is respected. So Buzz just enters and does his Lightyear thing.

While Pixar chose this project to be its comeback to the big screen, it also reminds you of the fact that the last three from the studio (Soul, Onward, Luca (not really in the order of release)), were actually quite more inclusive in terms of representation than Lightyear. Yes, there is a nod to the LGBTQ+ community and in the earnest ways without making a fuss about it, but is that enough in a movie that is being catered to the world almost? Not even talking about the same s*x kiss because it’s high time we all rise above that and let people be what they want to.

That brings me to the lack/ignorance of opportunities that would have made the audience more emotionally invested in the world and the character. Because here is a man who has seen a tough life. He is finding ‘Home’, he saw all his peers die, and he is living in massive regret. While it all reaches us, it doesn’t pierce enough to make a dent, so we feel like Buzz does.