This movie is mostly well made, but the story is so grim that it clashes with the rest of the film’s production. It’s tense and unnerving to begin with, and eventually becomes downright upsetting. It was marketed to kids and I know a lot of people have fond memories of this film, but I was unable to find many redeeming qualities here. The special effects are excellent.

Closest comparison: It’s like Close Encounters of the Third Kind by way of The Goonies.

Setting: Teen Adventure
Plot: Sci-Fi Adventure
Tone: Horror/Thriller