A rollercoaster ride has no story at all, but is still a lot of fun.
IANARCD (I am not a roller coaster designer), but I'll bet if I were I would disagree with you. A good roller coaster will take the rider through anticipation and build-up, followed by some excitement, then a few twists and turns, more build-up, more excitement, leading to a (hopefully) fulfilling conclusion. Amusement parks are all about "story."
And, to come back on topic, we watched The Eleventh Hour last night, and generally liked it, although we weren't blown away. There were some funny bits. Most of what was lacking (IMO) was the direction. The show was scattered. All the important bits were thrown in, but emphasis was off. For example, we spent an extraordinary amount of time on the fish sticks and custard stuff, but the big payoffs (calling the Atraxi back, the Doctor scaring them away) seemed to get short-changed.
I found myself more intrigued by the character of young Amelia than by Amy, almost wishing the young version was going to be the Doctor's companion. I'm sure Amy will grow on me, but Amelia's story was so touching and heartbreaking, and her interaction with the Doctor was marvelous. I loved how he talked to her no differently than he would speak to an adult.
I disagree that Matt Smith was too much like David Tennant--I didn't see that at all. He already seems a bit more like the Doctor of the old (pre-RTD) series, aloof and not as prone to falling in romantic love with his companions.
Overall I will be interested to see coming episodes, to see how the Doctor, Amy and the series shape up. I want to like it.
Oh, and was I the only one who thought the sound was cutting in and out when the new theme arrangement started up?