I’m Trevor with the Sasquatch Movie Minute with a look at THE END OF OAK STREET, directed by David Robert Mitchell. The Platt family must fight off dangerous beasts to survive when their neighborhood is transported to parts unknown.

3.5 out of 5

What an entertaining ride, like a cross between a Twilight Episode and an 80s era Spielberg film. This is a high-concept film that refreshingly doesn’t want to explain its mysteries and also has a welcome mean streak. Mitchell, already a master at shot framing in the excellent IT FOLLOWS, ups his game here with some creative moving camera sequences and even some fun 80s-like split diopter shots. Mitchell also enjoys poking into the decay existing behind the 80s suburban façade. The ending gets pretty bonkers; introducing some complex ethical questions. Mitchell is having a ball not answering any of them, you can feel him laughing by putting in a wild idea in the very last half-second of screentime. Unfortunately, Ewan McGregor is wildly miscast here and as his character is supposed to the heart of the film, it leaves a gaping emotional hole in the story.

Best Scene. A shocking moment in the middle of the film that breaks all the rules and made me gasp in delight. There is also an excellent sequence of quiet escalating dread involving a snake-thing that was perfectly executed and let Hathaway release some rage.

Best Performance. In Anne Hathaway’s 4th knockout performance of the year, here she gets to demonstrate how great she is as a badass action momma. I love a small bit where she has to temper down her crushing anger and disappointment in front of her daughter. So very relatable for a parent.

A great summer thrill-ride, with surprising twists and creative sci-fi ideas.