What a load of bo*****s! I went to see it because a friend dragged me to it, as I tend not to like sci-fi movies, and even she didn't enjoy it, saying, as we left, that it was a kids movie.
The acting is nice throughout on all ends, even the soldiers and the "evil" Doctor who represent the typical American types, but the story was just lacking.. Like I said, I'm not a sci-fi fan, so maybe those who are, will actually enjoy this, but I seriously believe Spielberg is losing his grip.
I remember reading a review saying that what one person liked the most was how realistic the train crashed looked. That particular scene could not have been any more unrealistic... Really?! If a truck collides into a train it doesn't send it flying, the truck is crushed, the driver killed and that's it. It doesn't set an entire thing on fire and lets loose a serial killer/kidnapper from outer space who in the end creates a space craft out of unknown material, oh and by the way, the driver survives...
Good for the likes of Star Trek lovers, not for those seeking proper entertainment. We saw it in IMAX and left feeling so disappointed, especially because you have pay extra for it...

E.T remake with more bite! Lots of good characters, good story, excellent special effects but not overdone and plenty of action. I forgive it the sentimental ending and the rather stiff acting of the hero's best friend.