Pixar has cultivated a strong reputation amongst adult filmgoers, discerning critics and young audiences for seamlessly blending captivating stories with astonishing visuals. As a member of the first group who originally started in the third, I have never felt let down by Pixar, barring one exception (The Good Dinosaur). Now, sadly, there is one more to that list.
The premise is bold: to tell the origins behind what made this Andy Davis' favorite toy in 1995. With sensibilities and technology having advanced far since then, I'd thought Pixar had more resources (and not less) to paint a canvas that is not only richly rewarding but also pays generous homage to an iconic franchise. With the added element of space adventure, the science fiction angle offers excitement and terror of the unknown in equal measure. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients are not used well at all and the dish falls flat.
The screenplay is the biggest disappointment. It starts on a confident note, suitably establishing the atmosphere but by the third act, it whimpers and staggers, leaving the parallel timelines ushering more questions than answers. The normally super-reliable Michael Giacchino also underperforms, the score nowhere near memorable an iconic character truly deserves. I also felt the tell-tale signs of studio executive interference in some scenes that Pixar usually hits out of the park.
On the positive side, Chris Evans and Taika Waititi are standout performers. The visuals are gorgeous and rich in colors. But that's about it.
Very disappointed 4/10.
The premise is bold: to tell the origins behind what made this Andy Davis' favorite toy in 1995. With sensibilities and technology having advanced far since then, I'd thought Pixar had more resources (and not less) to paint a canvas that is not only richly rewarding but also pays generous homage to an iconic franchise. With the added element of space adventure, the science fiction angle offers excitement and terror of the unknown in equal measure. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients are not used well at all and the dish falls flat.
The screenplay is the biggest disappointment. It starts on a confident note, suitably establishing the atmosphere but by the third act, it whimpers and staggers, leaving the parallel timelines ushering more questions than answers. The normally super-reliable Michael Giacchino also underperforms, the score nowhere near memorable an iconic character truly deserves. I also felt the tell-tale signs of studio executive interference in some scenes that Pixar usually hits out of the park.
On the positive side, Chris Evans and Taika Waititi are standout performers. The visuals are gorgeous and rich in colors. But that's about it.
Very disappointed 4/10.