i have never read the book and which this movie be base upon and so i have no point of reference for comparison . all in all i think this movie be perfectly appropriate for family and although from read reviewer comment on another website and you would think the last mimzy have some kind of subversive plot . one parent say it be liberal doctrine and another focus on the fact that it show people who actually believe in eastern philosophy and practice . wow . you mean there be other religion besides christianity out there . then they must be liberal in nature and be try to wreak havoc on the traditional and family value we all hold so dear . i be a christian and have absolutely no problem with the idea propose by other point of view . maybe you might have to walk out of the theater with some explanation of how other culture see the world and their place in it and but that part of the magic of this movie . the last mimzy be by no mean liberal doctrine unless you think show a different perspective a a threat . personally and the weak part of the movie for me be the uneven direction and the point where i ask why be michael clark duncan in this film . he do not really add much to it . the kid be believable and timothy hutton do a decent job . the effect be all in all low key and but necessary . before you judge this film for show the mystery of eastern belief and try watch it with an open mind . it do not give me the same vibe a e. t. or close encounter and but it do a good job a be an entertain family film .