OK movie but could have been better

Rating: 6/10 (13 April 2020)

I watched the movie and found it entertaining enough. Then I read the book and realized it could have been much better. The casting was excellent, cinematography was fine. Pacing tolerable. Unfortunately Spielberg made this movie silly and not on the edge of your seat tense. The bad guys were more for situational comedy and slapstick. I find science fiction movies are better when there are bits of realism intertwined with the science fiction making you believe in the situation. Nothing wrong with humor but he hit a pre-teen level of humor. Treat your audience as though they are intelligent and even most 11 years old's get it. From a director that pulled off Jaws and Minority report, I am disappointed.
There was no feeling of loss when a character died.
All bad buys were inept and dorky. F'nale was close but... meh.
The love connection and friendship twists were revealed too early.
No feeling of global interest in what was going on.
The hotel scene was more dopey than scary.
And what were the stakes, winning some money?