Lots of fun!

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2012)

OK, so the story is derivative, but who cares?! I call it an homage to Spielberg, and who better to create it than JJ Abrams? BTW, Spielberg borrowed many of his early stories from the Twilight Zone, Serials, and early war movies - I don't see many complaining about that.
The facts: What's not so good - the alien story(and the explanation for it all), the last 20 minutes, and the military as the bad guy. What's great - the acting, especially by the kids, the score, the action (even the CGI, which usually grows old quickly), the humor, the human drama, and pretty much everything else!
I won't add many spoilers, but I have to say this is the most fun I've had at the movies (and subsequently, at home on Blu-Ray) in a very long time. Don't be turned off by the previous reviews - it's worth a rental - you might just find yourself jumping, laughing, and enjoying yourself!