When dinosaurs come knocking
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor face prehistoric peril in 'The End of Oak Street'
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- Prehistoric creatures prey on their neighbors one by one, leaving the family no other choice but to survive as long as they can.
SURVIVING TOGETHER Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway lead the cast of 'The End of Oak Street.' (Photos: Warner Brothers)
Hot off the box office success of “The Odyssey,” Anne Hathaway stars alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor in a thrilling prehistoric dinosaur flick.
Dinosaur films seem to be a rarity, save for the usual “Jurassic Park” box office releases. Perhaps it’s because most viewers might assume it's all the same. Thankfully, “The End of Oak Street” offers something different that makes it stand out from the already established franchise.
In “The End of Oak Street,” we follow the Platt family. Anne and Ewan take on the roles of Denise and Greg, a couple on the brink of divorce, as they try to keep things together for their two kids. One night, an unexplained phenomenon sends their entire block to a mysterious location millions of years in the past. Prehistoric creatures prey on their neighbors one by one, leaving the family no other choice but to survive as long as they can.
(Photos: Warner Brothers)
What makes this film truly enjoyable is its thrilling action. Dinosaurs range from downright adorable to absolute apex predators. It's also admirable that the film features lesser-known species to keep things fresh. Sometimes the creatures just roam around in the background, making the film’s environment feel more lived in by these prehistoric critters. When there is a threat that lingers, you are left on the edge of your seat, begging for characters to either run or turn around. It makes for a frustratingly good time.
(Photos: Warner Brothers)
Now, our only personal gripe with the film is its somewhat rushed end. It leaves many questions unanswered and tries to write it off as an unexplainable phenomenon. Vague spoiler alert: It also ends with a time paradox. This will likely make or break the entire experience for viewers, but personally, it was enough to lead to an exciting tangent of trying to dive and debate with other viewers about the time-travel aspect of the film. Catch it in theaters, form an opinion, and start debating about the timeline once you’ve seen the ending.
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle was invited to an advanced screening of “The End of Oak Street” held at Uptown Mall’s Ultra Cinema. It is now showing in cinemas nationwide.