By: Kimberly Grant
This might be too late to write. If you haven’t watched the trailer for The End of Oak Street, don’t. The film will be more enjoyable if you don’t know what happens next.
E.T. Meets The Goonies Meets Legends of Tomorrow
Writer and director David Robert Mitchell has crafted a story that is E.T. meets Goonies meets Legends of Tomorrow. I don’t want to give away the plot, so that’s all I will write about the storyline. Mitchell’s writing is great, though.
There are light-hearted moments to balance the scary ones. A plus in my opinion since I’m not a fan of horror movies. The plot is fresh, but the feel is nostalgic. There’s the familial bond while dealing with an otherworldly presence, similar to E.T. The trials of being a teenager similar to The Goonies is part of the backdrop of the film. And, there are some elements of Legends of Tomorrow in the film, as well.
1980s Baby!
Set in 1982, this film works because of the timeframe. The events would not have unfolded so beautifully and organically if the family has access to technology like cell phones. It helps the story keep some of its mystery, which I have found lacking in the past few years. I have to stop watching movie trailers half way through, because they practically give away the plot. Then, what’s the point of seeing the movie? Not knowing what’s going on is integral to the plot, which is why I’m not revealing too much of it. (I have been accused of giving spoilers in the past.)
The family is typical of 1980s movies with more realism than was allowed in films back in the day. You have Greg, the husband (played by Ewan McGregor), who is trying to provide for his family despite obstacles. Denise, the wife (Anne Hathaway), seems to be tougher than Greg when it comes to survival skills. Audrey, the older sister (Maisy Stella), is a lot like her mother with her own mind. And, Brian, the little brother (Christian Convery), tries to be brave in the face of adversity when really, he’s just a scared kid.
The family dynamic really brings the film together. They start at odds, then are forced to work as a unit. It’s classic movie gold. It also makes me long for movies where the plot isn’t so expected.
It’s the Talent
Shout out to Anne Hathaway who is quite busy this year with five movies coming out this year: Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street, and Verity. When you’re that talented, you tend to stay busy.
Lastly, I recommend seeing The End of Oak Street in a movie theater where you can interact with the film and the people sitting around you. There’s something about a shared experience of a nostalgic film that makes The End of Oak Street an instant classic. You will get to laugh, gasp, and jump with a group of people you’ve never met. Which is a rare human experience.
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