Here's what I wrote last night, when I left the movie theater:

This lovely family sci-fi horror adventure (yes, it is all that) conjures up the good old times of Spielberg films from the late 70s, early 80s, when kids still took their bikes, shot films in their free time and had their rooms full of movie replicas and posters. Family and friendship are important factors for compelling storytelling. J.J. Abrams knows that and easily makes us care for those regular-Joe characters. Joel Courtney is particularly charming as little leading man, but the rest of the cast is just as convincing. The mix of exciting horror attacks, that thankfully don't show the monster until very late in the film, and enthralling family drama works wonderfully. It's just a pleasure to behold how Abrams plays with the elements of films like E.T., Close Encounter or The Goonies, yet creating something fresh and original. One of the highlights of the year already!

8,5 out of 10 cubes.