Critics and fans alike note that the film essentially functions as two separate narratives woven together.
(2020) is a dual-purpose documentary that is both a nostalgic celebration of the 1986 sci-fi classic Flight of the Navigator and a raw, unflinching look at the turbulent life of its child star, Joey Cramer . Directed by Lisa Downs, it is the second entry in her "Life After" series, following Life After Flash . A Tale of Two Documentaries Life After the Navigator
The film has been praised for its empathy and refusal to sensationalize Cramer's struggles. Rotten Tomatoes lists reviews describing it as "thought-provoking" and a "welcome dose of nostalgia". Critics and fans alike note that the film
: It offers a deep dive into the production of the 1986 film, featuring interviews with director Randal Kleiser , cast members like Veronica Cartwright and Cliff De Young , and the special effects team behind the groundbreaking "liquid metal" spaceship. A Tale of Two Documentaries The film has
: The documentary transitions into a "raw and poignant" exploration of Joey Cramer’s life after fame. It chronicles his descent into drug addiction, homelessness, and a 2016 bank robbery that led to his incarceration. Critical Consensus