Super 8 (2011)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Simply Perfect

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

The story was interesting, kids finding something out by mistake, being the only ones who knew other sides of the story, yea fineProblem was that usually movies give the point of the movie before half the movie is through, they usually know what they are fighting or what they are supposed to findbut in this? I was waiting for the kids to get superpowers throughout most of the movie (mainly because of the movie name......)While those kids looked like they achieved this and that, in reality NONE of what they did, impact the ending even a little bit, it would have ended the exact same way if they were gone! That alien was building the machine throughout the movie without anyone noticing, in the end the kids were just close enough to witness the machine being turned on, within a minute the spaceship got built through that machine, and it flew off, the kids had nothing to do with the outcome of the movie, it really bugs meSuperpowers i thought a bit too because a little car was able to stop and derail a huge heavy military train, and the driver of that car didnt even die from all those train-wagons exploding and flying around (and of course the most obvious, the impact with the train), because of that i thought that he had superpowers and couldnt die so fast... hoped for whatever was in the trainwreck, to come out, infect the kids with superpowers and THAT would be interesting xDBUT all in all, the movie was still fun to watch, a little scarier/darker than some other action movies, but not enough to be a horror movie (even though there is 2-3 jumpscares and some scary silence at times making you expect a jumpscare) Monster scariness comparable to... the fish from The Host, cant think of another example for now.If you dont mind a movie where the main characters only work as "Watchers" and "Explainers" of what happens, then go on watch the movie, its good

"Super 8" is a surprisingly engaging, heartfelt ode to vintage Steven Spielberg (think "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind") by writer / director J.J. Abrams. It focuses on a tight-knit group of young friends in the summer of 1979. Right now, led by their director, Charles (Riley Griffiths), they're busy making their own shot-on-Super-8 zombie epic. VERY early one morning, they're at the local train station filming scenes when they manage to record a catastrophic train crash. Not only there is much destruction, but a stealthy *something* escapes from the ruined train and vanishes into the night. Soon, the military shows up to try to contain the entity and keep a lid on the matter.It's true that the final half hour can't measure up to the opening 80 minutes, for then the movie does descend into maudlin predictability. Yes, some people could complain that it turns into an outright "cheese fest". But this movie has real heart, and takes place in a rural location (in and around the town of Lillian, Ohio) that could have easily been a setting for a Spielberg film. The production has a respectable amount of razzle-dazzle and an abundance of digital effects, not to mention a fairly well conceived alien creature. It has a body count of sorts, so it won't be completely harmless for the youngest of viewers. It also takes a pretty dim view of the military, as has been the case for scores of genre pictures for approximately half a century. A first rate filmmaking team includes cinematographer Larry Fong and production designer Martin Whist; the music by Michael Giacchino perfectly sets the mood.The cast couldn't be more likeable, even if some of the characters are formula types. In fact, it's the camaraderie among the kids that really makes this work as well as it does. Joel Courtney as Joe is our main character, a boy mourning the violent death of his mother, and at odds with his policeman father (Kyle Chandler). Ryan Lees' Cary is one of those expected "quirky" type of roles, a kid who likes to blow stuff up real good. Elle Fanning is appealing as the leading lady of the movie-within-the-movie, upon whom Joe crushes. Familiar faces in supporting parts and bits include Ron Eldard (as Fannings' troubled pop), Glynn Turman (as a science teacher who sets the story in motion), Noah Emmerich (as a hard-charging Air Force colonel), Bruce Greenwood, Dale Dickey, Richard T. Jones, and Dan Castellaneta.Overall, it may be imperfect - with the expected sob-into-your-hankie character resolutions and out-of-this-world finale - but it did hit a nerve with this viewer, who expects that some Spielberg devotees will go right for it.Eight out of 10.

Only an excellent visionary, prophet, artiste (notice 'e' at the end plebs) would come up with this work of genius. The kind of film that will awe, be reviewed, scanned, discussed and adored for decades to come Super 8 is a gala for the eyes of men, women and children tat works at multiple levels. It is famously noted by reviewers and up-voters definitely not employed by Mr JJ Abrams, said visionary, that Super 8 has been inspirational to a new generation of filmmaker, but professionals have also opined that it has influenced and reinvigorated directors like Spielberg anew. Super 8 is clean, fun, non formulaic and, as a layered piece de resistance of Hollywood, also is a metaphor generating machine. Go JJ Abrams, go! We look forward to many more films, movies, statues, paintings and poetry from you. You "saved" Star Trek and Star Wars, now go save the world.

Filled with loss & also a great deal of searching for all life forms this movie is up there with the usual one's your thinking of.Capturing a group of kid's getting upto those kind of things you did from making models, and solving mysteries this movie is a classic and not bad for a dude whose getting on a bit.I went to see this movie on my own and remember walking out of the cinema like I did all those years ago knee high to a grasshopper feeling like I did after watching those movies we all loved in the 80's. It has the mystery,drama, comedy & love that should come with a movie like this.Especially to those of us who didn't grow up watching those movies back in the day this movie is a great eye opener. The kids are a fab oddball bunch which always is a good Sign.Story line is cool and the movie keeps flowing nicely with some great scenes and shots with moments of stillness & action, so check it out especially the walkie talkie action..