Derivative, but still fun and well-made

Rating: 7/10 (16 June 2011)

You can tell that Abrams and Spielberg worked together on this movie, because it's a cross between Goonies, E.T., and Cloverfield, with some Close Encounters thrown in. This is JJ Abram's worst movie, but it's still watchable. As a gen-Xer, this movie took me back (feels like mid-70's), and the "production values" are very good. The tween love between Joe and Alice is realistic and likable - probably the best thing about this movie. Unlike other Abram's productions, this movie doesn't leave you hanging with lots of unanswered questions at the end. One warning: there is ubiquitous swearing and profanity - I wouldn't take my kids.