RJ Writing Ink

Lightyear Review

One of the earliest memories I have as a kid was watching the original Toy Story on VHS. Or listening to the book version on cassette tape. The bottom line is that Toy Story was a big part of my childhood, and at its heart were Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Like most kids, I loved Woody and Buzz, but I think I liked Lightyear a little more.

Like many kids who dreamed of being astronauts, Buzz Lightyear seemed like the coolest as a kid. He was in video games, he had his own spin-off show; he was just awesome. So, when news came out that Pixar was making the actual movie that made Andy love Buzz, I was intrigued. Enough that I decided to see it two days early via the Andy Experience. Despite the review bombs, Lightyear manages to reach infinity…though not quite beyond.

Chris Evans Was a Good Fit. Change My Mind!

Firstly, it needs to be said that Chris Evans proved to be the best choice to voice Buzz. While fans complain about Tim Allen not coming back, Chris gives us a different kind of Buzz. While not as larger-than-life, Chris’ Lightyear is no less heroic. Early on, though, the film makes it clear that he’s not living up to his full potential.

Lightyear as a Flawed, Nuanced Character

Buzz Lightyear’s always been defined by his determination to finish his mission, no matter what version he is. However, the film reveals this determination comes at the cost of neglecting those around him. He thinks he can do things on his own, that he doesn’t need help, and that leads him to make mistakes that could be avoided. By the film’s halfway point, it costs him almost everyone he knew.

A hero’s only as good as the people helping them, and that’s essentially what Buzz learns in his character arc. It’s recycled from the cartoon’s pilot film, but it still works.

Good thing that Buzz’s team is pretty endearing. Sox is adorable and acts as this constant helping Buzz cope with his emotions. Izzy’s the one who really helps bring Buzz out of his emotional isolation. Darby makes for a good cynic. And Taika Watiti as Mo makes for good comic relief.

The character that proved to be just as interesting as Buzz, though, is Zurg. I can’t say too much about him without spoiling the big twist, but it was something that I did not expect. Good job, Pixar.

A Decent Flick for Toy Story Fans

So, the Lightyear movie isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it is still entertaining. It’s filled with callbacks and references to the Toy Story franchise, and does the character Justice. Pixar could make more films out of it if they wanted…but they probably shouldn’t. Or, at least make a movie finale to Woody’s Roundup.

I Give Lightyear 3.5/5

Ever since I saw Your Name in theaters a few years back, I’ve been convinced that Makoto Shinkai’s the Hayao Miyazaki of our generation. It was one of the best anime films and one of the best romance films I’ve ever seen. Thus, you’d think I’d be first in line to see his new hit, Weathering With You. I’m ashamed to say I dragged my heels until this weekend.

Having now seen Weathering With You, I regret not seeing it sooner.

The film’s about Hodaka, a 15-year old boy who runs away to Tokyo to get away from his (apparently) neglectful parents. By chance or fate, he meets Hina, an orphan girl with the power to stop the endless rain falling on the city. Together, the two try to use her powers to earn money to support themselves. However, they eventually learn that such actions have consequences.

I just got done seeing the film and reading what others are saying about it, and there seem to be two main themes to the film. The first is that Weathering With You’s a love story with a supernatural twist. From the looks of things, that appears to be Shibkai’s go-to theme.

That said, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Weathering With You and Your Name. From the supernatural love story and structure of the plot to the use of music by RADWIMPS in important scenes, there’s a lot the two have in common! The main characters from Your Name even appear, showing the two share a universe.

That said, the big difference in Weathering With You is the films second theme: consequences. In the movies climax, Hodaka and Hina are separated, with the former having to outrun the police to get her back. While I won’t say how it ends, let’s just say that Hodaka’s going to be in a lot of trouble and that Tokyo’s never the same. In other words, the film’s basically asking us how far we’d be willing to go to be with the one we love. Furthermore, can we live live with the consequences by doing so?

So, the film has a lot in common with Your Name, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. Shinkai makes sure Weathering With You unique enough to set itself apart, letting us still enjoy it despite the similar plots. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Go see it in theaters if you can. If you can’t, stream it once it’s available!

I Give “Weathering With You” a 4.5/5. Great Love Story

Click here to see more animanga stuff