I grew up as a teen in the 80's. That's why I read the book and loved it. But I knew the movie was going to be somewhat different and was ok with that. But I was shocked how Spielberg, who drove 80's pop culture with his movies back in the day, left out almost all of it. Compared to the book, there were very few strong 80's references which would have been easy to add in. Again, as a kid that grew up as a teen in the 80's that's what I really wanted to see. That's what really hooked me on the book.

The comedy was almost non existent. The few lines that were supposed to be funny were lost on the audience in the theater I was in. The story line was drastically changed and again, the 80's challenges were all but removed. I walked out more disappointed that the essential part of the story being based around the 80's was taken away, more than they changed the story from the book.

I expected the characters to be more isolated and independent. The interesting parts about the relationships was all removed and it was a buddy movie. That was what I liked about the original story and made it great to follow. Were they going to get together and help one another or would they stay apart? The movie version was predictable and bland.

Maybe Mr Spielberg should watch ET, The Goonies or Back to the Future again before he makes another movie set in the 80's or has a strong underlying theme based on 80's pop culture. The Spielberg that directed those movies understood the 80's. This Spielberg doesn't.