At the end of the street in David Robert Mitchell’s film, “The End of Oak Street,” stands a telephone pole with wires stretching out like tent cables. This quirky setup mirrors the film’s playful, circus-like energy. Known for summer hits full of chaos, “The End of Oak Street” blends 1980s nostalgia with a unique drive-in theater vibe.

Mitchell first gained attention with his 2014 horror feature “It Follows” and later explored neo-noir in “Under the Silver Lake.” In “The End of Oak Street,” the indulgence serves the audience’s enjoyment. Set in the 1980s, the film follows a suburban family whose neighborhood suddenly shifts through time. For those planning to watch, beware of spoilers ahead.

The film follows the Platt family, residing in a split-level home in a San Fernando Valley-like neighborhood. Denise, played by Anne Hathaway, and Greg, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, are parents to two kids and a dog named Starbuck. Their children, Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery), notice cracks in their family life, fearing an impending divorce. Denise writes a novel about a woman dreaming of escape, while Greg delivers pizzas as a side job. Such dynamics set the stage for a Spielberg-inspired sci-fi adventure that merges horror, absurdism, and humor.

Unexpectedly, the Platts’ neighborhood evolves into a prehistoric jungle, filled with dinosaurs. Initial warnings include an unusual flash of light and exotic flora, escalating to chaos with dinosaurs roaming suburban streets. This unexpected scenario cleverly resolves longstanding challenges faced by the “Jurassic Park” franchise, situating the dinosaur spectacle in a residential setting. Amid the thrilling encounters with prehistoric creatures, the film balances excitement with genuine character-driven storytelling.

Mitchell also wrote the script, infusing it with sincerity that grounds the wild action. Hathaway, especially, anchors the film with her performance. Composer Michael Giacchino enhances the nostalgic tone with a John Williams-like score. Yet, Mitchell diverges from typical Spielberg strategies, including a special scene where Audrey listens to Steve Winwood’s “Valerie” for comfort amidst the chaos.

While “The End of Oak Street” might not delve deeply into subtexts, its characters’ shared secrets and resilience underline the storyline. The dinosaur invasion metaphorically represents ecological catastrophes, testing the Platt family’s strength. Moments of unexpected comedy arise, like assuring each other during a snake encounter in their home, highlighting family bonds.

This adventure offers an eclectic blend of earnest family drama and CGI excitement, creating a unique suburban thrill ride. Rated PG-13 for intense scenes, strong language, and suggestive material, the film runs for 99 minutes. Released by Warner Bros., “The End of Oak Street” garners three out of four stars for its captivating mix of old-school adventure and modern elements.