Nothing new here

Rating: 5/10 (20 June 2011)

I give this a very mediocre 5/10. It's not horrible, but it sure isn't above average by any means. Watchable performances and good rapport by the kids, and the late-70s product placement was cute, but the "authority interference" was predictable and the "wrap it up in a nice bow" ending was borderline laughable.
Based on early reviews and the decent ratings, I had hoped for better, but considering how unoriginal and regurgitant Hollywood has become, I'm not even surprised.
If you've seen ET and/or Stand By Me (and several others in this genre), you've seen all of this before. Disappointing.