Before Lightyear’s first scene unfurls, a plain white caption against a pitch-black background informs its audience that what they’re about to see is the movie, within the Toy Story universe, that launched the Buzz Lightyear toy to number one on Andy’s birthday wish list.
Well, that fictional movie’s marketing team must have had one hell of a budget, because Lightyear offers little explanation as to why Andy so memorably dived headfirst into Buzz Lightyear mania.
The opening caption’s retrospective failure is especially glaring given Top Gun: Maverick’s brilliant use of the same technique less than a month ago. Where Maverick’s caption immediately locks audiences into a specific, tangible atmosphere, Lightyear’s caption highlights the biggest questions on moviegoers’ minds: what is this, and why do I care?
Lightyear is ostensibly intended as a big-hearted space adventure starring Buzz Lightyear (voiced by a capably gallant Chris Evans) as he discovers that it’s a lot easier to accomplish a mission when you stop being so hard on yourself and trust your friends for help. Great premise, but Lightyear’s execution results in a frustrating failure to launch.
For the rest of the review, head over to the Martin City Telegraph’s site here.
