"Buzz Lightyear wins in new release"

But many Disney-like films have a little bit of everything for all. In “Buzz Lightyear”, there are the striking similarities to Star Wars (Princess Nova, XR the robot, and Booster the Space Ranger wannabe who reminds me of a Wookie) that mom and dad can’t help recognize. Then there is the “good always wins” theme that gives a solid black-and-white view with no gray areas to confuse little minds.

Okay, let’s continue with this honesty bit: the LGMs are united by the Uni-mind that instills in them an extensive knowledge of scientific things – oh, come on. Like I couldn’t hear “May the Uni-mind be with you” running with the soundtrack!

But, you know what? It works. Long after we’d returned the video to Blockbuster, my sons, ages 6 and 3, were playing Buzz and Evil Emperor Zurg dueling games. Not to be outdone by themselves, they’d return to the camaraderie theme a few games later, arms around each other, and claim they were partners like Buzz and the Space Rangers.

Despite some violence, and a brief semi-nude scene when Booster loses his clothes,the movie rates very highly in my book for giving us a strong female character, a strong and caring lead, and a theme that emphasizes over and over again that good always wins. Kids can't help recognizing the theme because of its repetition, and I kind of enjoyed the teamwork and idea of good being desirable for the few hours it catapulted my sons into Buzz Lightyear play. They may stop playing that game in a little while; I can't help but think, however, the importance of being good,teamwork,and the equality of all, is going to stay in their minds for much longer.

The movie has found a place in my collection of good kid films.

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