Seemingly misunderstood by many

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2011)

I'm surprised at the many negative reviews here. My only guess is that those people weren't in synch with what the film was trying to accomplish, which I think it did incredibly successfully.
Its a specific genre piece almost as niched as a grindhouse film - and if you aren't in that groove, then you won't enjoy it as much as those who are. And that genre is "Spielberg eighties".
The monster in the film is a red herring - a catalyst that drives many other stories elements forward and together.
The film is really about growing up and letting go (of the past, of grief, of regret, of grudges). I noticed many subtle moments where characters are either forced to, or choose, to let go of something. The way that these moments are interwoven with the story are brilliant.
If you're in synch with Spielberg style nostalgia, then there's a lot to appreciate in this film. If you're part of the soulless CGI Facebook generation, then you probably won't find it.