The Hype That Ate New York
See, you have to go in knowing what to expect. Which is a thriller, plain and simple, and not the twisty-plotsy surprise! stuff that you're used to getting from Bad Robot.
So with that in mind, it wasn't bad, especially if you willfully ignore all the leading build-up over the past year. Don't think about that. Then you'll just feel like you were cheated out of something groundbreaking and clever. If you expect a pretty good monster movie, you'll end up much more satisfied.
You'll also be happier if you have a strong stomach, one not prone to motion sickness. Mine is made of steel, only assailable by viruses or other physical attack (or pregnancy hormones, bleargh), and I still got a little queasy about halfway in. And this when my tummy was all happy and soothed because of Junior Mints (they offered me a box from the fridge, how awesome is that?)! I was forced to look away from the handheld camerawork for a few seconds to calm it down. D. was queasy until we got some fresh air after the show.
One thing it does share with previous Abrams work, Alias, is the vaguely Michael Vaughn-esque Rob Hawkins character. Or that could just be me, projecting my Michael Vartan love... hmmmmm.
