From the critically acclaimed indie flick Mother Mary to The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel to the pop culture hit classic, to the box office smash The Odyssey and with the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s psychological thriller Verity still to be released in 2026, Anne Hathaway is having quite the year. Also added into that mix this year is The End of Oak Street - a quite different film altogether. With old school summer blockbuster sensibilities coupled with modern movie making magic, The End of Oak Street is a thrilling, thoroughly entertaining popcorn flick. One of the best surprises of the year. 

 

Set in 1982, The End of Oak Street follows the Platt family - parents Greg (Ewan McGregor) and Denise (Anne Hathaway) and their teenagers Audrey and Brian—as a cosmic event teleports their entire suburban block straight into a prehistoric, dinosaur-filled swamp.

Everything about The End of Oak Street feels like a thrilling Amblin blockbuster from the 1980’s. Not only because it's set during that time period, but it's from Michael Giacchino’s glorious soaring, twinkling yet bold John Williams-esque opening score that you know you’re in for something quite special. 

 

It’s also to be found in its story. At a run time of just over an hour and a half their isn't a lot of time for deep character backstories or exposition. But we’re given enough so that we care deeply about the characters and their fate as well as knowing how the world we’re in operates. There is a part of this story, which I won’t spoil, in the third act that some may think doesn’t land or is earned. I for one loved it - I think it adds to the whimsical feel that is very much the vibe of this film. 

 

The dinosaurs? They are magnificent with some of the best dinosaur action set pieces that I’ve seen in a long time. You are in one breath astonished at seeing these magnificent, beautiful creatures before you to being absolutely terrified at their bloody fury. My movie watching mate who NEVER jumps in films (I’m the one who jumps fairly regularly) nearly leapt out of his skin.

 

With old school summer blockbuster sensibilities coupled with modern movie making magic, The End of Oak Street is a thrilling, thoroughly entertaining popcorn flick. One of the best surprises of the year.