Just watching this film, I could not help but to feel that I was a eight year old, transfixed as Elliot was whisked away with ET, or frightened as Carol Ann announced that "They're Here" in Poltergeist. The cinematography, acting, and pacing lets me know just how much of a protege of Steven Spielberg, JJ Abrams truly is. It is refreshing to see a Summer blockbuster movie concentrate more on story, characters, and suspense more than special effects. Don't get me wrong, as an animator, I enjoyed the animation and realism of the foreboding creature. But the monster and the effects became a secondary piece to the film as a whole.
I think it's a wonderful change to revert to a style of film making, and even a period of time, where the imagination and creativity were king. When people inevitably become older, we always say that times were better when we were kids. In my biased opinion, I believe that applies to the style and story of this film. I just hope that the younger generations could unplug for a little while, and find at least some inspiration from this film.