The End of Oak Street Review

The End of Oak Street, starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, is set to release in theaters on August 14. The film follows a family as they find themselves transported from an '80s suburban landscape into a world ruled by dinosaurs. The premise of "family must survive dinosaurs" has been done before, and The End of Oak Street aims to stand out by embracing its influences rather than distancing itself from them.

The movie leans into the familiar, making the most of its '80s setting and Spielbergian creature feature potential.

The filmmakers have done well in delivering on expectations, largely turning the dinosaur scenes into an engaging creature feature. The dinosaurs are modernized with feathers and fur, and their appearances are both scary and campy. The movie also excels at capturing the warmth and nostalgia of the '80s suburbia, even if at times it feels overly sweet and saccharine.

What sets The End of Oak Street apart is its focus on the family dynamic, with the film's greatest moments revolving around the relationships within the family. Director David Robert Mitchell uses the sci-fi premise to create a metaphor for a crumbling marriage, and Anne Hathaway delivers a strong and nuanced performance as the protective yet emotionally fragile mother. The runtime of 90 minutes is well-suited to the story, avoiding unnecessary explanations and staying true to the film's central metaphor.

Overall, The End of Oak Street mostly succeeds in delivering on its promises, blending familiar elements with a fresh perspective. While there are moments where the film feels dated or overly sentimental, the core story and performances shine through, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of family adventure and sci-fi.