THE END OF OAK STREET – “The logic-free plot can’t diminish the dino (and family) drama in this Spielberg-esque summer popcorn adventure”

oak

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: David Robert Mitchell

MAIN CAST

Anne Hathaway as Denise Platt
Ewan McGregor as Greg Platt
Maisy Stella as Audrey Platt
Christian Convery as Brian Platt

SYNOPSIS

After a mysterious cosmic event uproots Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to a location with prehistoric creatures, a family soon discovers that their survival depends on sticking together as they navigate their now unrecognizable surroundings.

REVIEW SUMMARY

When it comes to David Robert Mitchell’s The End of Oak Street, the logic-free plot can’t diminish the dino (and family) drama in this Spielberg-esque summer popcorn adventure. Yep, this is an exceptionally fun blockbuster romp, with plenty to cheer about. For one, the throwback ‘80s-infused story is packed with plenty of nostalgia, excitement, adventure and, well, danger. The Jurassic Park vibes are definitely strong here, but the story smartly balances its dino threats with a surprisingly compelling family drama. The result is both exhilarating and heartfelt. It also knows when to (and when not to) take itself seriously. There’s a definite wink to the audience here, particularly when the mayhem kicks into high gear - leading to some genuinely funny moments amid all the prehistoric chaos. The movie understands that a big, ridiculous premise works best when it embraces the absurdity rather than constantly trying to justify it. Thankfully, the cast came to play as well, with Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor delivering surprisingly strong performances. They don’t just phone it in for this bonkers high-concept outing. Nope, they give their characters emotional nuance, vulnerability and real, felt passion. That’s especially important as the movie grapples with heavier themes, including marital decay and the fractures that can develop within a family over time. The film also seemingly shatters the notion of suburban safety, using the external chaos unfolding around this family as a reflection of the internal crises they’re already facing. The dinosaurs may be tearing through the neighbourhood, but there are plenty of things falling apart inside the house, too. And surprisingly, the movie does a good job balancing those elements without letting the family drama get swallowed up by all the prehistoric mayhem and dino chomps. There’s genuine emotion underneath the spectacle, which gives the craziness a little more weight. But don’t worry, there are lots of gnarly kills too. As for the explanation that’s eventually given for this cosmic event? Well, it’s basically a bunch of science mumbo jumbo. In other words: don’t worry about it. The less you think about the mechanics of what’s happening, the more fun you’re likely to have. I say turn your brain off, buckle up and enjoy the ride to Oak Street.