There’s something about it that felt like a ’90s movie, of course, minus the phones. But that sense of adventure, wonder, mystery, and real-life family struggles render some sections almost Spielbergian.

Jesse Edwards’ harmless coming-of-age film employs 80s throwback tropes to present a creature feature that becomes entirely listless because it is neither able to conjure up dread nor some form of mystery that would make it memorable.

This wonderful coming-of-age adventure and kiddie-monster movie belongs in company of films such as “The Goonies,” "E.T., and “Stand By Me.”

A captivating, fun and exhilarating sci-fi adventure for the whole family.