Worth it for the first hour but ultimately derails in the end

Rating: 7/10 (10 June 2011)

I simply cannot understand how someone who is clearly talented can put together an hour or more of really fun summer movie and then blow it.
The homages to Jaws, Close Encounters, and E.T. are a real hoot but really ring hollow when you start to see the chinks in the films armor. The interaction between the children and the period costumes and set design are the star of this movie, not the script. The monster and his tale of trying to get home are simply there to push the narrative and it is clear that Abrams has no joy in telling that story.
Once the girl disappears from the group the film basically loses all energy, the characters begin to act erratically, and the suspension of disbelief is exhausted.
I wonder what Spielberg must have thought previewing the final cut of this film. Did he shift in his seat and wince at the absurd ending? Did he think of ways he could have done it better?
I'd love to see Spielberg go back to making movies like this. It will never happen. And it's a shame, because he did it better than anyone.