The big weakness of Toy Story That Time Forgot is also the thing that makes me resent it less than some other Toy Story shorts: It centers around a Toy Story character for whom I have no strong affection, Trixie voiced by Kristen Schaal.
Here we get a fun story that’s vaguely Harryhausen-esque as a series of dinosaur creatures with Buzz Lightyear-style toy vs. real world delusions capture Bonnie’s toys. These dinosaur toys, halfway between Warhammer figurines and ’80s action figures, have fun designs.
The short’s connection to Toy Story’s rules feels more tenuous than just about any other short, and the viewer’s sense of danger to the toys is constantly undercut. But it’s a fun adventure nonetheless.
Thematically, the movie toys with some anti-screen commentary, though it’s a bit flimsy.
It’s fun spectacle and appropriately lightweight, but completely inessential.
Is It Good?
Nearly Good (4/8)
Note: This review was originally published elsewhere. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment or contact me.
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