A suburban family, a mysterious phenomenon and dinosaurs running loose through an ordinary neighborhood is an undeniably fun combination. Directed by David Robert Mitchell ("It Follows"), ‘The End of Oak Street’ combines family drama, science fiction and dinosaur spectacle into an unusual and often entertaining package. At its best, it feels like Abrams making his own suburban, mystery-box version of "Jurassic World."

The premise is irresistible: an ordinary suburban family in 1982 suddenly finds their entire neighborhood transported to a prehistoric world, where dinosaurs and other ancient creatures begin hunting the residents.

Greg (Ewan McGregor) and Denise Platt (Anne Hathaway) are parents whose marriage is already struggling before the strange phenomenon occurs. Together with their children, Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery) and their dog Starbuck, they are forced to figure out how to survive a neighborhood suddenly filled with prehistoric predators.

And when the dinosaurs arrive, the movie becomes a lot of fun.

The creature sequences are easily the highlight. Dinosaurs of all types aside from just the more common dinosaurs we all know tear through residents; enormous predators chase people through suburban streets and strange aquatic creatures turn swimming pools into potential death traps. Some of the attacks are surprisingly brutal, while others have an almost playful sense of absurdity.

The film occasionally finds genuine humor too, although this is ultimately more of a creature adventure than a full-on comedy.

There are also a few visual effects and sight-line issues that can briefly take you out of the action. Certain dramatic shots feel unnecessarily over-stylized and I was personally not moved by various directorial decisions regarding certain camera movements.

Nevertheless, the concept is strong enough to carry the film through its weaker moments.

Without spoilers, the final act takes an unexpected turn, which may leave audiences more amused than amazed. But it is also part of what makes "The End of Oak Street" such an oddball experience.

With a little more narrative discipline and a director more comfortable with blockbuster spectacle, this could have been something special; perhaps even J.J. Abrams' own take on "Jurassic World."

As it stands, "The End of Oak Street" is an enjoyable creature feature with a terrific premise and several memorable dinosaur sequences.

It opens in cinemas August 12, 2026.