1995 was the year when Toy Story first came out. My eldest son was all of 4 years old, and my middle boy was just one year of age. My youngest was to be born in 1999; but somehow, for all three boys, they now feel that Toy Story and its sequels are all intrinsic parts of their childhood, of their growing up, and being fascinated by the world of animation and movies. So I know that Lightyear will hold special significance, even if my eldest is now 31 years of age.

 
Lightyear is smartly marketed as a prequel of sorts, and the opening frames of the film explains it all. It relates how in 1995, Andy was super happy to get a Buzz Lightyear toy, as it was an action figure from his favorite movie. This, then, what we’re about to watch, is that favorite movie of Andy. Now, if you remember your Toy Story-lore, you’ll know that until the appearance of Buzz, cowboy Woody reigned as Andy’s favorite toy, a status Woody grudgingly had to share with Buzz upon his arrival.

 
So even if this comes twenty-seven years after the first appearance of the two toys, this Lightyear now opens up a whole new vista of possibilities for where Pixar can go with the Toy Story IP (intellectual property). The TV series that starred Woody and captured Andy’s imagination, the origin story of any of the other toys that have become such stalwarts of the Toy Story franchise - the list goes on and on, pending the success of this Lightyear.

 
To complicate things further, we now have Chris Evans voicing the Lightyear movie Buzz, which, let's face it, is distinct from the Buzz toy of Andy. I can even see how merchandising this film will open awhile new ‘can of worms’. Who, or what then, will be the ‘real’ Buzz Lightyear toy? The one voiced by Tim Allen, or the one of Chris Evans? Whose voice is the genuine ‘To infinity and beyond’? Questions Toy Story fans will now have to consider - and yes, I say all this in humor.

 
So, beyond the philosophical merchandise issues, I’m happy to report that Lightyear ticks all the right Pixar boxes, and it’s easy to see why Andy made Buzz his new hero. There are themes of time travel, variations on the multiverse (to keep Lightyear current), and there are touching narratives about camaraderie, friendship, and sense of duty. It’s all packaged in a film that knows how to pull strings effectively - even heartstrings. 

The Alisha Hawthorne character (voiced by Uzo Aduba), provides a strong emotional center to the plot; while Sox (Peter Sohn), the robot pet cat is hilarious, and a wonderful sidekick to Buzz. The Zurg toy figure (James Brolin) is given its backstory, as we witness why he’s Buzz’ nemesis. 

It’s in the arena of animation that we don’t get anything groundbreaking, and I presume this has to do with how it has to look at home with the Toy Story of 1995; and act as a movie that existed that same year. 

Providing excellent fan service for those who have followed the franchise since it’s inception in 1995, there’s also a fun, strong new narrative that should entice new fans and young children who’ll be watching this as this very first foray into the world of Toy Story.