Lightyear

Directed by Angus MacLane, Lightyear follows space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) as he attempts to correct a mistake that leaves his well-populated spaceship stranded on a remote planet. Filmmaker MacLane, working from his and Jason Headley’s screenplay, delivers a relentlessly erratic endeavor that gets off to a decidedly less-than-promising start, as the movie opens with an action-packed stretch that’s hardly as exciting and awe-inspiring as MacLane has undoubtedly intended – with the somewhat generic and by-the-numbers atmosphere alleviated, thankfully, by the predictably eye-popping visuals and top-notch voice performances. It’s clear, then, that Lightyear improves considerably as it progresses into a midsection rife with involving, surprising attributes and plot developments, including an almost jaw-droppingly unexpected montage sequence that packs one heck of an emotional punch, with the central character’s newfound mission paving the way for a second half that possesses far more forward momentum than one might’ve initially anticipated – although, by that same token, it’s clear that the third act’s emphasis on larger-than-life set-pieces ensures that the whole thing ends on a comparatively underwhelming note. The final result is a hit-and-miss animated picture that generally feels as though it could (and should) be so much better, which is a shame, ultimately, given the potential afforded by the protagonist’s history within the Toy Story franchise.

**1/2 out of ****