Lightyear
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Lightyear
Lightyear is a 2022 animated science-fiction action-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. Presented as the in-universe movie that inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy from the Toy Story franchise, it follows the legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear after he and his crew become marooned on a hostile planet. Buzz's relentless pursuit of a way home through hyperspace tests causes him to experience significant time dilation, watching decades pass for his friends and crew. The film explores themes of accepting help, the value of community, and coming to terms with one's past mistakes. It targets a family audience, with official ratings classifying it as PG, and generally suitable for children aged 7 and above, though some content may be intense for very young or sensitive viewers.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film features a prominent lesbian character, Alisha Hawthorne, Buzz's best friend and commander. Her life, including her marriage to a woman named Kiko and their family, is depicted through a montage as Buzz experiences time dilation. This includes a brief, non-explicit kiss between Alisha and her wife, which was a point of controversy and led to the film being banned or given higher age ratings in multiple countries. This representation is integral to Alisha's character arc and a thematic element of the movie.
Alisha Hawthorne is shown marrying her female partner, Kiko, and they share a brief, non-explicit kiss during a montage that chronicles their life together as Buzz experiences decades of time dilation. The film explicitly depicts Alisha and Kiko raising a son, and later shows Alisha as a grandparent to Izzy, establishing a multi-generational queer family.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic content is present through the depiction of a same-sex marriage involving a main supporting character. The film shows Alisha Hawthorne marrying her wife, Kiko, and includes a brief, chaste kiss between them. The relationship is portrayed as loving and lasting, with no explicit sexual activity or nudity.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
PG (Parental Guidance Suggested). The MPAA rated Lightyear PG for action/peril. While suitable for many elementary school-aged children, parental reviews suggest it is best for children 7 and older due to some scary and intense action sequences, as well as the depiction of a same-sex marriage with a brief kiss. International ratings in some regions were significantly higher (e.g., 16+, 18+, 21+) due to LGBTQ+ content.
Good to Know
The inclusion of a same-sex marriage and kiss, while brief, was a significant point of discussion and controversy upon the film's release, leading to bans or higher age ratings in various international markets. Parents should be aware of this element, as it is a foundational aspect of a key supporting character's life story within the movie. The film's primary themes emphasize teamwork, overcoming personal flaws, and the importance of community and accepting help, offering positive messages alongside its action-adventure plot. No significant content evolution is noted as Lightyear is a standalone film.
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