A Michigan family embarks on a quest to reconnect with the past in a new dinosaur-themed film, while the entire Fort Worth community rushes to the drive-in for a final viewing experience.
The Coyote Drive-In theater, a cherished fixture for 14 years, is set to close its doors permanently due to the ongoing Trinity River Vision/Panther Island project. This initiative will bring the construction of two canals and a new three-acre park to the site. Those wishing to experience or revisit this historic drive-in have until Labor Day, September 7, as it wraps up its screenings with titles including Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie (PG, showing through August 31), The End of Oak Street (PG-13, showing through August 27), and Insidious: Out of the Further (PG-13, showing through September 7).
Our film critic recently viewed The End of Oak Street, featuring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, written and directed by David Robert Mitchell. Despite the anticipation, the review was less than favorable. Nevertheless, one enthusiastic fan, dubbed #ReptileMom, is giving it a shot regardless.
The End of Oak Street: A Journey Through Time
For those who caught the trailer for The End of Oak Street and wondered about the dinosaurs, rest assured the film doesn’t delve too deeply into that aspect. While the movie may not entirely satisfy, it does offer more enjoyment for dinosaur enthusiasts than the Jurassic World series. However, one can’t help but wish for a more polished execution.
This film marks the third entry in Mitchell’s Detroit-centric oeuvre, set in the summer of 1982. It follows Greg and Denise Platt, portrayed by Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway, whose marriage is on shaky ground. Greg has kept the news of his job loss from Denise, who is struggling with her own dissatisfaction as she writes a semi-autobiographical novel about the challenges of suburban motherhood. Their precarious situation escalates dramatically when their house, along with everything in a two-mile radius, is transported 200 million years into the past, forcing them to barricade themselves in their home with their children, Audrey and Brian, to evade dinosaurs.
The film excels in its portrayal of suburban life and the everyday concerns of its characters, particularly in its initial scenes. As the Platt family begins to comprehend the bizarre transformation of their neighborhood, the film takes care to reveal these changes gradually. A standout moment occurs when Greg, while searching for the family dog, encounters a feathered raptor that perceives him as its next meal. Mitchell’s visual prowess is evident in a captivating one-take sequence where an allosaurus corners the children, prompting the parents to distraction tactics.
However, the film falters in its treatment of family dynamics. The plot development feels thin, particularly when Brian’s search for the dog results in a convenient and almost unbelievable reunion. Unlike A Quiet Place, which intricately develops its character arcs amidst tension, The End of Oak Street opts for an easier resolution. This tendency towards oversimplification detracts from the film’s overall impact, making it feel reminiscent of lesser works by filmmakers like Steven Spielberg or J.J. Abrams, who produces this film. Hathaway delivers a strong performance, notably wielding a shotgun throughout, yet it fails to compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings. Mitchell, who gained acclaim for works like It Follows and Under the Silver Lake, seems to have compromised his artistic integrity in pursuit of broader appeal, which is disappointing.
There are whispers of a potential last-minute screening for the much-anticipated comedy/adventure Coyote vs. Acme, which blends live action with animation. Although the connection may seem overly optimistic and unlikely, keeping an eye on Coyote Drive-In’s Facebook page for updates could prove worthwhile. The Coyote Drive-In is located at 223 NE 4th St in Fort Worth, and tickets can be purchased via their website.
As the sun sets on this beloved Fort Worth destination, it marks the end of an era for the community.
