Welcome to the cosmic rollercoaster that is “Dark Skies”! Strap in and prepare for an extraterrestrial experience that will have you questioning every creak in your house and every shadow in the dark. Imagine if ET phoned home with a sinister agenda, and you’re halfway there!

Now, let’s delve into this sci-fi horror flick that has audiences buzzing like a beehive under attack by alien drones. “Dark Skies” manages to strike a chord with viewers, despite its shortcomings. The film offers visually striking sequences that hit you right in the gut, eliciting a visceral reaction that sends shivers down your spine. However, amidst these thrilling visuals, there seems to be a black hole where the story should be residing. It’s like having a beautifully wrapped gift box with nothing inside but air – disappointing, right?

The plot might feel as thin as an alien’s patience waiting for human contact, but fear not, dear movie enthusiast! Despite its slow pace and thinly-sketched characters who seem more like shadows than real people, “Dark Skies” manages to seep under your skin like an intergalactic parasite. It succeeds in unnerving you, leaving you peeking nervously at your windows at night and questioning every strange noise.

One burning question on everyone’s mind: What happened to the poor dog in “Dark Skies”? Well, brace yourself because the dog meets an unfortunate off-screen fate. You can hear its barks echoing through the house before silence descends like a dark cloud – truly a moment that tugs at your heartstrings.

As for the filming locations, “Dark Skies” takes place in Los Angeles and Valencia, CA (College of the Canyons). These locations provide the perfect backdrop for the eerie events unfolding on screen, adding an extra layer of realism to the extraterrestrial terror gripping the Barrett family.

Now, let’s talk about that ending! Without giving away any spoilers (we don’t want any alien encounters over spoilers!), let’s just say that the Barretts’ attempts to fend off the alien invasion don’t go as planned. The Greys make their move, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with a twist that will leave you reeling.

Acting-wise, Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton shine as Lacy and Daniel Barrett, portraying a couple facing not only financial struggles but also otherworldly threats. Their performances anchor the film amidst all its otherworldly chaos.

With minimal yet effective CGI, “Dark Skies” manages to create suspenseful moments that will have you holding your breath and peeking through your fingers. The grim ending adds an extra layer of darkness to this already chilling tale of extraterrestrial terror.

• Binge-watching Tip: Keep your lights on while watching “Dark Skies” – you never know what might be lurking in the shadows!

In conclusion, “Dark Skies” may have its flaws like a glitchy spaceship navigating through asteroid fields, but it still manages to deliver a thrilling ride through outer space horrors. So grab your popcorn, dim those lights (or keep them on if you’re feeling spooked), and prepare for an encounter of the third kind!

Rating: 7/10