just like a lot of them other Spielberg flicks

I thought it was a bit Velveetish myself but sorta saw it comin once an earlier scene sets it up. It didn't really ruin the rest of the film for me but there is an awkward shift in tone at a key moment before the finale.

The kids are great. Especially Joel Courtney & Riley Griffiths. Never a dull moment with those two. Funny, charming and sympathetic. The other kids are all engaging as well.

As far as the action the train crash & sound effects alone might be enough to send me back for a second viewing via IMAX. There's a good amount of suspense throughout and these scenes are top notch the way they're shot & directed. The lens flares are back as well but added to the sense of eerieness so didn't mind as much this time.

I liked Cloverfield a lot and liked this one as well. Although Abrams claims it's not, it sure as hell felt like a prequel to me.