It exceeded our expectations -- we expected it to be entertaining but we actually really liked the story too. We were a group of 5 -- two of us were not big sci-fi people, but we enjoyed the special effects. Definitely recommend the 3D IMAX experience. Having said that, I thought it was about 20-30 min. too long. A little bothered with Signorey Weaver's character smoking in a controlled scientific lab environment. Also not the best message re: smoking knowing this is a perceived "family" movie.