The first two-thirds of this film is rich with family dynamics, the stuff of growing up, themes of belonging and self-esteem. It creates a beautiful magic-eight-ball question mark around the concept of "nurture." Add to that: surreal adventure fantasy, danger, humor, surprise, and a plethora of characters you will like. This part of the movie is absolutely awesome. I loved it as an adult – and as an adolescent – I would have gone complete gaga. That said, sadly, the last third is one long titan punching titan scene. Whereas writers had developed such a meaty conflict to resolve between family members in the first two-thirds of the film, the last third pretty much walks away from all of that in exchange for a simple hero vs super-villain battle.

Yes, this last stretch does pause for some good humor here and there, and some worthy drama makes it to the screen, but loud crashing CGI bombast dominates here. I like big action – just not big action that takes over the story. Still undeniably a lot of fun, but this could have been an A+ movie.