Drawing inspiration from suburban kid movies of the early ‘80s, this Spielbergian production has the sentiment of E.T. and the rascally camaraderie of The Goonies. But don’t expect it to appeal too much to adult nostalgia. Despite dabbling with the scares, it’s really for kids or young teens (who will love it) and everyone else might have the feeling they’ve seen it all before. More
None of which negates the classy production value and clanging sound design, however. Super 8 is a highly polished outing with plenty of good bits, especially the action set pieces (a massive train pile-up early on is grandly over-the-top), the seamless effects and the music that strikes a balance between ominous and magical.
In true JJ Abrams form (his productions of Lost and Cloverfield kept people guessing for a long time), the reveal of the ‘thing’ that the plot revolves around is kept in shadow or obscured for most of the running time. No prizes for guessing what it turns out to be, although we could run a competition to guess why the film has such a title, given that the characters' home-made film is pretty superfluous to the plot.
A subplot of fractured family dynamics means that too much of the movie plays in heavy-handed sentimental moments, which, when carried by the child actors, are too trite for adults and potentially too morose for the younger ones. Super 8 is likeable, if a little standard, so it will remain open to you to classify it – throwback or retread? Hide
Could be good. Something more grown up for the kids to see.
Absolutely loving that music.
I just wish they showed what it was haha, guess thats the sales ploy to get you to go see it.
Alien in the 60's? 12 year old filmmakers? JJ Abrens AND Stephan speilberg? ME LIKY! :)
Ahem... sci-fi Goonies much?
Go sci-fi Goonies!
It's frustrating isn't it: show that damn monster/alien or whatever you got in that train! Looks old-school, suburban Spielberg...
Looks frikin cool. Love JJ Abrams building previews. Makes you WANT to see the movie.
yep, would definintely go see this
bring it on!
Nothing like a good sci-fi thriller and what better than a Speilberg movie - Yes, count me in!
is that casper in there or good ol king kong. Stephen Spielberg aint lost the touch huh
it looks like a mean as movie
this is mean
this rocks!
Can't wait to see it
Yeah this looks cool, the vibe reminds me of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", cool.
Have to see
@Ed-Flicks - I just hope when the unseen alien/monster is revealed it's not as lame as 'Signs'
@clararar, the alien in Signs was pretty lame. I hope this alien is a puppet like ET was! That would be rad.
Keen as.
What film classification is this - can kids go?
@mikaylajane, the film is yet to be rated. We'll let you know as soon as we find out.
looks like a really cool kids movie will differnetly be taking my neice to it
It looks great can't wait to see it :)
This was surprisingly great! There was an ET/Goonies feel with the younger characters. Maybe a hint of Stand by me, just with some language.
This film wasn't released - it escaped! The only redeeming feature was the music. Very disappointing for a Spielberg movie.
Enjoyed the movie. Great cast. Lovely music.
The secret love child of The Goonies and Cloverfield. Some effects were cool but the characters and story seemed too familiar/predictable.
If you loved Goonies you'll like this. Good effects, a bit predictable in parts. Bloody loud though!!
Was OK, held on to my hubbys arm for abit...bit to loud, to much screaming. Effects were cool, I want the soundtrack
Thanks flicks for the invite last night as well....cheers guys :)
Elle Fanning was impressive. In fact all of the kids were a delight in their roles. Thanks for the tix: def a giant screen experience!
really enjoyed this cross between ET & The Goonies with a smidge of zombie added to the mix
Edge of your seat suspense, frights are plenty, don't go with a weak bladder, great movie :-)
Awesome movie, loved the characters and how it was based in the 70s
This is the second over rated movie I've seen this year. First hangover 2 and now this one.
The meanest movie Iv'e seen for a while, I like Elle Fanning !
Watched the trailer last year and thought "wow awesome". Then finally after I watched it. It turns out to be utter crap!
looks boring
I hate Jon
this movie looks cool but booooooooring
@mary - You can tell all that from a 2 minute trailer? I've never had such a mind-boggingly stupid response to a trailer before, so...
@mary - Oh and if you have ever used a brain cell and read critics and moviegoers reviews, its well received...and it is a great film!!!
I have heard great things about this movie!
has any1 noticed that all aleins and stuff ALWAYS land in America, or any other place that make alot of films?
Brilliant! Just good fun!
I personally would love to see it, also because I haven't seen much of Elle Fanning. It looks great n_n
Great story telling. The combo of JJ Abrams and Sielberg worked surprisingly well. Displays real love of the medium. Satisflying.