Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' Gets Mixed Reviews

Steven Spielberg's latest film 'Disclosure Day,' touted as his return to the summer event movie, has received a divided reception. While initial box office numbers are decent, secondary indicators suggest the film is polarizing. In the US, market research firm CinemaScore, which polls opening-day audiences to gauge commercial prospects, gave 'Disclosure Day' a B grade – the second worst for a Spielberg film, tied with 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' and ahead of 'AI: Artificial Intelligence' which received a C.

The film focuses on human secrets and lies rather than aliens, dovetailing with themes from Spielberg's later works like 'Bridge of Spies' and 'The Post.' However, critics note that the plot is thin and arbitrary, and the characters are cardboard-cutout heroes and villains lacking depth. Despite strong performances from actors like Colman Domingo, the characters are described as forgettable and not as memorable as those in 'Close Encounters' or 'E.T.'

The opening sequence shows Spielberg's sharp directorial skills, including a car chase through a farmhouse, but the film's final hour is criticized as defensive and reliant on old tropes. The ending, with a character declaring 'listen,' is seen as a weak prescription for social ills. The visual effects, particularly woodland creatures, are deemed unconvincing. Overall, the film feels more 20th century than 21st, leaving some viewers disappointed.