Super 8
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: June 10, 2011
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 864 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
634
Mixed:
166
Negative:
64
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8
j30Nov 25, 2011
Going in, I didn't expect this movie to be so emotionally engaging. This really well made film by J.J. Abrams', whose love for film, especially the 80's time period, is painted all over the screen. The movie feels like a mixture between E.T.Going in, I didn't expect this movie to be so emotionally engaging. This really well made film by J.J. Abrams', whose love for film, especially the 80's time period, is painted all over the screen. The movie feels like a mixture between E.T. and The Goonies.… Expand
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7
ZephNov 24, 2011
Super 8 shines because of the action sequences (if that is your style) and the talent of the actors. However, it falters from the story or shall I say stories. They literally pushed like 3 mini stories into the movie. And of course, theSuper 8 shines because of the action sequences (if that is your style) and the talent of the actors. However, it falters from the story or shall I say stories. They literally pushed like 3 mini stories into the movie. And of course, the one that takes center stage is probably the most absurd out of the three. Props to the actors for working with this story, it was still an amazing movie to see.… Expand
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6
ZilcellNov 18, 2011
Super 8 ends on a quick note, but it will keep you guessing throughout. The performances from the actors are great and it actually makes sense when you watch it.
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6
smijatovNov 7, 2011
There are many parallels one can draw between "Super 8" and Spielberg's last attempt at alien sci-fi films, "War of the Worlds." That being said, "Super 8" is not quite as good as the War, but it is still a rather decent film. The story isThere are many parallels one can draw between "Super 8" and Spielberg's last attempt at alien sci-fi films, "War of the Worlds." That being said, "Super 8" is not quite as good as the War, but it is still a rather decent film. The story is interesting enough, but rather predictable. My biggest problem with the film was the amount of cheese (aka cheesiness/cliché) that Spielberg and Abrams managed to instil into the film. It is so over-the-top that I could not believe it. The last scene was especially disgusting, just like the last scene of "War of the Worlds." That seems to be a critical flaw with me and Spielberg - he has been managing to screw up the last scene in his last couple of films, and it's always extremely annoying. Nonetheless, there are good aspects to the film (hence the 6, no?)! The acting is very good when it comes to the children actors - very convincing and very engaging. Adults - not quite so much, but still decent enough for this kind of film. The cinematography was nice at times, with very nice colours and tones they've used with their lenses. Cinematography as in technique of filming - bad. I am not quite sure how I feel about the film overall. Yes, it's good enough to get a positive review, that is for sure. But there are so many annoying things about it that one's left wondering when will Spielberg finally get his act back together and make some serious films again? Until then, this will have to work, I guess...… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
asthobaskoroNov 7, 2011
The most interesting and exciting movie of the year. Super 8 deserves five star rating. Why? Because it's impressive, thrills, emotional, sweet, and scary.
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0
BratokNov 5, 2011
awfull movie!!! don;t look it! there is nothing interesting..exept u are ten yars old!
2 hours under cat's tail! u better watch breaking bad all seasons again..
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
NazguleroOct 24, 2011
Godawful ! The monster was stolen from Cloverfield. I stopped caring when the train crashed, and that was at the very beginning of the movie. No way either one of those kids could have survived that mess, but miraculously, they all escapeGodawful ! The monster was stolen from Cloverfield. I stopped caring when the train crashed, and that was at the very beginning of the movie. No way either one of those kids could have survived that mess, but miraculously, they all escape completely unharmed. Spielberg should stop making movies, it just gets embarrassing. This was a cheap attempt to revive the E.T. saga from the 80's. The fat kid should have been the first to be eaten by the monster, clearly every parent's worst nightmare.… Expand
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
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8
MediaCriticOct 18, 2011
Another masterpiece from one of the best directors of all time. Super 8 is a great movie filled with suspense. This movie should appeal to a lot of people, as it fits into different genres. There's some scary parts, some funny parts, and someAnother masterpiece from one of the best directors of all time. Super 8 is a great movie filled with suspense. This movie should appeal to a lot of people, as it fits into different genres. There's some scary parts, some funny parts, and some action filled parts. On the whole, the movie is to be taken seriously. It's a film I recommend to any movie lover and is played well by the young actors. It's not your usual alien film, it's a heck of a lot better!… Expand
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7
grandpajoe6191Sep 21, 2011
"Super 8", a film directed by the infamous J.J Abrams, is a surprisingly well made film; its a film pure of innocence and maturity fused together, like Spielberg did in the 80's. However Mr. Abrams, you directed the wrong movie at a awkward"Super 8", a film directed by the infamous J.J Abrams, is a surprisingly well made film; its a film pure of innocence and maturity fused together, like Spielberg did in the 80's. However Mr. Abrams, you directed the wrong movie at a awkward era; a era where we fight and despise each other with curses and swearings. 80's movies are appropriate movies, and the 21st century movies are appropriate for the 21st century. Next time Mr. Abrams when you choose a movie to copy+paste into yours, make it something that is not Spielberg's. His work and recognition is better left in the 80's untouched.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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8
hoops2448Sep 17, 2011
I cannot tell if this film is a beautiful homage to the films of Spielberg or a film that stands on its on, a fully original entity which could stand up to Spielberg's films in a fight for the top spot. On the one hand, Super 8 (Directed byI cannot tell if this film is a beautiful homage to the films of Spielberg or a film that stands on its on, a fully original entity which could stand up to Spielberg's films in a fight for the top spot. On the one hand, Super 8 (Directed by JJ Abrams) is so engrossing as a window into a mourning town but it also tells a thrilling coming of age tale because of its extremely talented group of actors. Elle Fanning's character is like an onion, with so many layers to her character helping the viewer to feel with her, that when you are finished peeling you are crying like a baby. Sure there is a science fiction element that harks back to Spielberg but its execution is to embrace what made those films so imaginative and use it to improve the experience, embracing the sense of wonder that Spielberg film did. The ending is the major payoff with a beautiful finale with an awe inspiring set piece, rousing music and a great sense of forgiveness and amazement.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
JacobSep 15, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. â… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
HalfwelshmanSep 12, 2011
Proof that the very best monster movies aren't really about the monster, but about people. The film's more about relationships, growing up, and dealing with bereavement than about a creature's rampage through small-town America. The youngProof that the very best monster movies aren't really about the monster, but about people. The film's more about relationships, growing up, and dealing with bereavement than about a creature's rampage through small-town America. The young cast are great, all delivering engaging, but natural performances. J J Abrams really couldn't have made it any clearer that he loves Spielberg, everything from the setting, to the cinematography and mise-en-scene could have come from late 70s/early 80s Spielberg films. Maybe you could criticise Abrams for being too Spielbergian and having few ideas of his own, but he does undoubtedly put his own mark on the film, once again demonstrating his skill as a character-focused storyteller. After the emotional first act and sensationally realised train crash, the plot does drag a little, and evil army officials seem a little too cliched to make particularly compelling antagonists (though using them does nod to E.T.) The creature itself is also not particularly memorable, but as already stated, Super 8 isn't about the monster, but about people. A very entertaining ride overall, just make sure you sit through the credits!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
jfthuecksSep 5, 2011
this is an homage to Steven Spielberg and a love letter to the Amblin Entertainment produced films. if you like J.J. and 80's Spielberg you should watch this movie. it's fun, rewarding and enjoyable and i would recommend it. my only gripethis is an homage to Steven Spielberg and a love letter to the Amblin Entertainment produced films. if you like J.J. and 80's Spielberg you should watch this movie. it's fun, rewarding and enjoyable and i would recommend it. my only gripe is that parts of it you can tell it's a j.j. script because all the kids are talking like j.j. in some of the scenes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
TheMudDoctorSep 4, 2011
His attempt in the film to pair blockbuster action with heartfelt emotion is a noble one, but in the end, unsuccessful.
Read my full review at: http://themuddoctor.blogspot.com/2011/09/super-8.html
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10
Triggern0metry1Sep 1, 2011
Brilliant. That's all I would write if I was allowed but thats to short.The movie is great, the actors are great( especially Elle Fanning).Everything about this movie I liked. That should be enough "characters" to submit this review.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
iamtheoneneoAug 31, 2011
nice little film this and was pretty much a typical affair from the producer that brought us Cloverfield. It reeks of a bad boy ET towards the later part but for a summer movie its a great piece of entertainment that will try and succeed innice little film this and was pretty much a typical affair from the producer that brought us Cloverfield. It reeks of a bad boy ET towards the later part but for a summer movie its a great piece of entertainment that will try and succeed in making you jump on several occasions. Its just a shame that it gets a little OTT towards the end but overall its defiantly worth a watch and discussion afterwards. The effects btw are very nicely put together and the cold war vibe present throughout is great at drawing atmosphere out of what is a rather small setting.… Expand
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8
beelzie14Aug 29, 2011
I loved this film ... and I am old enough to remember watching The Goonies when a youngster. This is Goonies for the modern generation but more visceral, surreal and serious. If I ignore the somewhat generic references and existence of anI loved this film ... and I am old enough to remember watching The Goonies when a youngster. This is Goonies for the modern generation but more visceral, surreal and serious. If I ignore the somewhat generic references and existence of an alien being, the actual character development and interaction is what appealed to me far more.
And it was the kids whose acting made this film an intense watch, whilst all adult acting seemed to be purposefully dumbed down, or just truly lethargic and wooden in comparison.
Elle Fanning is every bit as good a young actress as her sister Dakota, and really shone for me. As did the youngsters - Joel Courtney and Riley Griffiths. I sincerely hope that all 3 grow to become mainstays of future cinema like Michael Cera, Ellen Page, Freddie Highmore etc.
All in all - a greatly entertaining film with possibly the MOST frightening and visceral sound design and FX I have ever heard at a cinema. One seen specifically took my breath away and actually instilled a sense of nervousness within me!… Expand
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7
jimmytancrediAug 27, 2011
The movie is good, if we compare with the bombs that are coming to the cinema lately, but the problem is that Super 8 was meant to be an homage to Spielberg, and it seems that only served for that. A blend of all scenes of the biggest hits ofThe movie is good, if we compare with the bombs that are coming to the cinema lately, but the problem is that Super 8 was meant to be an homage to Spielberg, and it seems that only served for that. A blend of all scenes of the biggest hits of the magician of the cinema, and this, unfortunately, only served to remind us of all the amazing things that the filmmaker presented over the years, however by the end of the projection, I got the feeling that what I had just seen was good, but it had a lack of ET's quality. Actually what I liked most was to see the return of a science fiction movie starring children, because ultimately it was restricted only to fantasy. Well, but the similarities stop there. In the end, it was worthy for the memories, not a film that will be in people's minds for a long time, unlike the stories that Spielberg could tell us so well in the past.… Expand
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6
J-ShapAug 25, 2011
It's lack of originality is matched only by its enthusiasm and sincerity in its desire to make a pastiche of Spielberg classics, something it does to great effect, in spite of inner-cynicism it stirs up.
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8
zizzoTAug 23, 2011
A super fun time at the movies, suspenseful. and fine performances. Super 8 pulls you in with it's action and it's kid stars. But Super 8 lacks story, plus I wasn't emotionally attached to it like I was to the other Spielberg films it wasA super fun time at the movies, suspenseful. and fine performances. Super 8 pulls you in with it's action and it's kid stars. But Super 8 lacks story, plus I wasn't emotionally attached to it like I was to the other Spielberg films it was trying to be. Overall a great time at the movies, but it was trying too hard to be a classic Spielberg film. I didn't care for the alien at all. And it was a bit cheesy, but it was a lot of fun. J.J has done better though. "Super 8" gets just an 8. Not a super 8.… Expand
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9
avatar16Aug 23, 2011
L'un des grands maîtres du blockbuster américain, J.J Abrams (Mission : Impossible 3 et Star Trek), nous livre son film personnel, sous la houlette du géant Steven Spielberg. A se demander si ce n'est pasL'un des grands maîtres du blockbuster américain, J.J Abrams (Mission : Impossible 3 et Star Trek), nous livre son film personnel, sous la houlette du géant Steven Spielberg. A se demander si ce n'est pas ce dernier qui a réalisé Super 8, tant on ressent la patte du réalisateur. Et pourtant, ce blockbuster est bien l'oeuvre de Abrams, jonchée de références de son mentor (E.T. l'Extra-Terrestre, Les Goonies, Rencontres du Troisième Types...). Et bien que le scénario se base sur une histoire de monstre, c'est pour mettre en scène des personnages intelligemment travaillés et interprétés. En gros, Abrams nous livre son enfance et son amour pour le cinéma et les seventies. Quelques défaillances sont à notées (la scène du train qui déraille est vraiment démesurée) mais devant ce film à la bonne mise en scène et aux effets visuels de toute beauté, on ne peut que crier "SUPER".… Expand
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10
Lambo442Aug 22, 2011
An excellent, old school piece of film making from the director of Star Trek. Reminiscent of the Goonies in parts, with a sprinkling of horror and violence. Spot on special effects, believable characters, and a quite funny in parts. My onlyAn excellent, old school piece of film making from the director of Star Trek. Reminiscent of the Goonies in parts, with a sprinkling of horror and violence. Spot on special effects, believable characters, and a quite funny in parts. My only gripe was the occasional lashing of ultra sentimentality that seem to plague most of the films Spielberg is involved in. Almost snapped by heart strings once or twice, ruining the experience, But on the whole - brilliant.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
Foxg007Aug 21, 2011
Take Goonies, ET, war of the worlds and a touch of close encounters and there you get Super 8. A movie that is Spielberg written all over it. Not that it is a bad thing, but still had the need to get something more out of it. Were missingTake Goonies, ET, war of the worlds and a touch of close encounters and there you get Super 8. A movie that is Spielberg written all over it. Not that it is a bad thing, but still had the need to get something more out of it. Were missing some JJ Abrams touches which could have made this movie more a must see.… Expand
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7
Egypt1amAug 20, 2011
Winner of the Spielberg Drinking Competition Movie Submission. I went because a my friend is in itabd I like Sci-fi but enjoyed it for the family friendly action movie it is.
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9
Martim_DuraoAug 19, 2011
Very well thought movie, nicely directed and a story that has Spielberg all over it. It is a Sy-Fi movie but with the spirit of the Five, therefore an adventure. Most important, it is not exaggerated or to much Americanized. Excellent actingVery well thought movie, nicely directed and a story that has Spielberg all over it. It is a Sy-Fi movie but with the spirit of the Five, therefore an adventure. Most important, it is not exaggerated or to much Americanized. Excellent acting by all kids. It is a very fine movie.… Expand
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8
AkkharAug 18, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved this movie ! I cant even take my eye of for a second . what is not to like ? J.J. Abrams & Spielberg did it again . Its not just tipical teen movie ! They have mixed Teen & Si-fi so amazingly ! The actors were also good ! Joel Courtney(Joe Lamb) was a little week !
Riley Griffiths(Charles) did good job as a bossy friend ! The others were also good except for Elle Fanning(Alice Dainard)
when i was seeing this movie i was like are you freaking kidding me? She is just 13 ? i cant believe it ? Her acting was like freaking awesome ! i watched Dakota's (Elle's sister in real life)most of the movies so first i thought she couldn't be better then her ! but she really surprised me a
lot ! her acting is awesome ! [Look out Dakota ur baby sis is passing you]
and not to mention she looked very beautiful ! spoilers !!!! At the begining of the movie where the kids were filming the movie that I Love You part she nailed it spoilers !!!! . SO OVERALL [out of ten]

Story : 1.7/2 [Awesome mixture with teen and si-fi]
Directing : 1.7/2 [j.j.A 's one of the best entry]
Acting : 1.6/2 [whole 1 point is for Elle coz of Joel the rating is low]
Sound : 1.3/2 [i didnt like the soundtracks & the musics .wasn't good]
Edit & Effect : 1.8/2 [That train accident was beyond awesome]

Overall 8.1 out of 10… Expand
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2
HoffieAug 17, 2011
Disappointed +++. I took my wife to watch this movie based solely on Metacritic reviews. The user reviews I can still understand, given that almost anyone nowadays has access to the net. But how on God's earth do serious reviewers,Disappointed +++. I took my wife to watch this movie based solely on Metacritic reviews. The user reviews I can still understand, given that almost anyone nowadays has access to the net. But how on God's earth do serious reviewers, journalists, for F***s sake give this film such a high rating. This is not a good film, at least not for an adult. I think that it probably deserves a 4 but am giving it less with the hope of reducing the average and hopefully saving some poor schmuck from parting with his or her cash. Oh, have I mentioned...do not watch this movie, at least not in the cinema with no remote or easy escape.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
ludders1979Aug 17, 2011
Super 8, JJ Abrams' first film since Star Trek, acts like a love letter to Steven Spielberg from a kid who grew up on a diet of E.T and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and rightfully so. It's a tale of innocence being stolen from a groupSuper 8, JJ Abrams' first film since Star Trek, acts like a love letter to Steven Spielberg from a kid who grew up on a diet of E.T and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and rightfully so. It's a tale of innocence being stolen from a group of kids making an amateur zombie-horror on their Super 8 camera and witnessing something they shouldn't have seen. This is a clever and entertaining film from a screenplay by Abrams, and like Spielberg, Abrams revels in using the everyman and the innocent as our point-of-view into this world, in this case a bunch of children.

What started out as an innocent piece of movie-making by budding director, Charles Kaznyk (Riley Griffiths), turns into something much more sinister when the group witness a terrifying train crash when a pick-up truck drives onto the tracks causing a derailment. Amidst the horror of the crash, the kids find lots of white cubes scattered around the place, they find their biology teacher, Dr. Woodward, behind the wheel of the pick-up, who warns them to never speak of what they saw or 'they' will kill them and their family. Soon, the U.S. Air Force arrive, led by Colonel Nelec (Noah Emmerich) to recover the site, not noticing the kids fleeing the scene.

The townspeople begin to report a whole host of strange occurences, every dog runs for the hills, microwaves, car engines and people disappear. It soon falls down to local deputy, Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler) to try and calm the situation, and at the same time try and figure out what the hell is going on.

The film is beautifully presented, much of which is down to the cinematography of Larry Fong, whose eye gives the polish a film of this calibre so deserves. The second mention must go to Michael Giacchino for his haunting, but memorable score. Considering it is such a young cast that holds a quite complex (at times) storyline together, Abrams has done remarkably well in not only being able to extract some brilliant performances from these kids, but also recreate the tension and atmosphere that so many movies of this kind (many from his co-collaborator Spielberg) that the seventies and eighties were so memorable for.

The effects in this film are used subtlely. They are intergrated into the storyline and really are used to propel the story along rather than distract from it. There are moments when watching Super 8 where Abrams seems to have taken great pleasure in apeing Spielberg's techniques, even down to the long, drawn-out scenes designed to make us jump, but it doesn't matter, it's still JJ's film, the fact he mimics one of Hollywood's true storytelling masters, whilst inputting his flair on this intriguing tale is a crime easily forgiven.

Whilst I felt slightly cheated with the ending resolving itself too quickly, I was still satisfied with the outcome.

So, overall, Super 8 is a far from perfect film, but it has masses of entertainment value, and if you're a fan of Abrams, or Spielberg, or just good, old-fashioned storytelling that doesn't try to confuse you for the sake of it, then I can highly recommend it.… Expand
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8
allystewAug 16, 2011
I suppose it couldnt live up to the hype but I still enjoyed it. You would have to be at least 25 appreciate it though and able to remember a time before the internet. A time where kids go out and "play". If you have seen previous JJ AbramsI suppose it couldnt live up to the hype but I still enjoyed it. You would have to be at least 25 appreciate it though and able to remember a time before the internet. A time where kids go out and "play". If you have seen previous JJ Abrams (Lost and Cloverfield) and Steven Spielberg (E.T and Close Encounters) will also help you appreciate it. Think of this as more a love letter to a time and movies that we all have a soft spot for than a summer blockbuster.… Expand
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10
pauloAug 14, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An outstanding and nostalgic piece of art. This film surely is the perfect merging of emotional appeal, suspense, a great history and amazing action.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
CraigAug 9, 2011
Creator of original TV series like Alias and Lost, writer and director J.J. Abrams creates an all-too-familiar monster movie that resembles too much of Spielberg (one of the producers) as an auteur. Not necessarily a bad thing however. TheCreator of original TV series like Alias and Lost, writer and director J.J. Abrams creates an all-too-familiar monster movie that resembles too much of Spielberg (one of the producers) as an auteur. Not necessarily a bad thing however. The influence of Spielberg makes Super 8 both suspenseful and a spectacle, but it lacks the convoluted plot twists and character driven drama Abrams is known for. Super 8 is like a 21st Century 'Goonies' meets-a-more-scary 'E.T.'. It centres on a group of kids in a small town who witness a train derailment, which is ensued by an extra-terrestrial investigation, mixed in with strained personal relationships and mystery. Classic Spielberg blockbuster formula really. Troubled family life juxtaposed with suspense, mystery and awesome action sequences.

The train derailment sequence is one of the best pieces of action I've seen. Truly awesome to behold. And the performances from the young cast really outshine the adults by miles, in particular Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney. Super 8 builds up and develops character well, and holds out suspense to keep the viewer on edge. It's not until the third act that we see the 'monster'. Again, reminiscent of Spielberg's Jaws.

Some parts of the film were unnecessary though. Like the white cubes were never explained and a fuller back story for the 'monster's' experimentation would have been helpful. Also, the over use of intentional lens flare just got distracting.

Overall though, Super 8 is a great family film that delivers on many levels reminiscent of Spielberg's classics.… Expand
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10
andrefeAug 8, 2011
Super 8 is a full movie. This film develops themes about family, friends, besides being funny and entertaining. An excellent story and stunning special effects. Simply the best movie of the summer.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
carlosmacheteAug 8, 2011
great pic, sometime the movie is awesome and nostalgic, this time its the way of super 8 , the haters are a stupid kids, the movie was great , haters gonna hate
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6
shaunmedAug 7, 2011
Could have been epic but has a terrible, deflating ending that makes you question why you watched the movie at all.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
ItsukkiAug 7, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like it, is quite a weird movie it remember me several books I have read, if this were a normal movie i'm sure the boy helps the alien to escape but the movie is just what happens in his viewpoint, the boy is just a part of the movie and not the movie itself like the most of the movies today. I have always like J.J. Abrams productions and this time he don't disappoint me, I don't feel there is missing something and it have a really good plot, what I see is really bad about this movie is the marketing used in it, I was having a completely different concept of what the movie was but, forgetting the marketing I don't have nothing against it...… Expand
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1
mrkobayashiAug 7, 2011
Unengaging from start to finish. The human drama aspect of this film is a broad-strokes schmaltzy portrait of childhood and reconciliation in suburban 70's America. The most annoying thing about this is the plucky/bratty kids in the mainUnengaging from start to finish. The human drama aspect of this film is a broad-strokes schmaltzy portrait of childhood and reconciliation in suburban 70's America. The most annoying thing about this is the plucky/bratty kids in the main roles. It's really difficult to feel anything for aspiring film-makers/actors (filming on Super-8 film, duh), especially the chubby kid who keeps harping on about "production values". Please, kids, go fishing, camping, paint a picture, just do stuff kids do, please. Of course the main kid is just dull enough to be the lead. The sci-fi aspect is dull too - and the big bad that's wrecking everything is revealed in predictable fashion - "oh look, it's in the background but out of focus so we still don't know what it is!". In essence, ET multiplied by Lost plus Stand By Me minus any charm, suspense or thrills you might find in a half decent film. Don't waste your time.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
dagda24Aug 6, 2011
If you ever watched a film as a child and it filled you with wonder and amazement then this film is for you. It tips it's hat to so many universally loved films while still carving out it's own unique identity and if you have a soul you willIf you ever watched a film as a child and it filled you with wonder and amazement then this film is for you. It tips it's hat to so many universally loved films while still carving out it's own unique identity and if you have a soul you will be left with the feeling that you have just watched something great.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
NicholasBuckAug 5, 2011
It's no wonder that I walked into the movie theater to see Super 8 with nothing but optimism. J. J. Abrams has created some fantastic films, so it only added to my disappointment when I walked out of the theater unimpressed. I felt like theyIt's no wonder that I walked into the movie theater to see Super 8 with nothing but optimism. J. J. Abrams has created some fantastic films, so it only added to my disappointment when I walked out of the theater unimpressed. I felt like they chose unknown actors specifically to suspend reality in the film. Unfortunately, the actual effect was poorly acted secondary characters that I felt no compassion towards, or even really cared about. While the main characters seemed to be well thought out and acted, most of the other characters were just plain underwhelming. Certain elements of the story seemed completely unnecessary, such as the white cubes, the rivalry between the fathers, and the protagonist's mother's locket. The whole movie seemed to be a simple way to show off that trademark J. J. Abrams cinematography, and not character of plot driven at all. This movie is good for anyone who wants a shiny version of E.T.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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7
ShiiraAug 3, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. She believes him, but it's a school day, so "no T.V." the mother warns Elliott, who fakes being sick in order to stay home with the alien. Unbeknownst to Mary, whose husband had just recently bailed on her and their three children for sunny Mexico and another woman, there exists a subconscious reason as to why she forbids her son from watching television. Slowly but surely, she's turning into something else, something other than a mother. Later in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial", Mary is in the kitchen with her daughter, unpacking the groceries while E.T., whom the mother presumes to be Gertie's imaginary friend, constantly avoids her notice, in spite of the little girl's vociferations. The domestic scene, on one level, is all about comic timing: the alien who wobbles right pass Mary while she's busy putting food away in the refrigerator, but "Super 8", with its subordinate homage to George Romero, coaxes out another level, which brings to mind the moment in his 1978 shocker "Dawn of the Dead", where the living dead traverse a parking lot as they make their descent upon a shopping mall, because, as one character observes, these non-people harbor memories still of what it meant to be alive. Just like these catatonic consumers who know the words but not the music of being human, Mary can't see E.T. because she's among the living dead(her philandering husband killed the old Mary), and is only going through the motions of being a mother. Suburban life has zombified her, exasperated by sexual displacement and the television(which just happens to be on at the time), the same factors that drains all the life out of socialite Cary Scott in "All That Heaven Allows", the 1956 melodrama that stealthily informs the Spielberg film, in which the genre-inspired dialectic is fully intergrated, narrative-wise, and not partitioned off as the film-within-the-film in "Super 8". Whereas Mary has a divorce impending, Cary(the names rhyme) is a widow, but both women are clearly one and the same, in regard to their negotiation between being a mother and a sexual being. In the Sirk film, Cary, dressed provocatively in a red dress at a get-together among the affluent, causes one partygoer to comment, "It's indecent to have two children and look as young as you do," while in E.T., Mary, who is acting as hostess to a party for Michael and his buddies, shimmies around in an orange kimono, enticing one of the boys to inch his extended finger toward her extended butt while she tends to the food. The gesture mirrors the one that E.T. uses to heal Elliott's finger, but that's not the sort of healing Mary needs, and certainly, Michael's friend is too young to provide it. For Halloween, Mary wears a cat suit, which would probably cause Cary's son to exclaim, "Holy cats, mother!"(his reaction to the red dress) and Cary's daughter to expound: "When we reach a certain age, sex becomes incongruous." In the absence of a man, Mary unconsciously flirts with Michael's friends because she needs to feel desirable again. They're about fifteen years her junior, the same chronological distance that exists between Cary and Kirby, the gardener who could rescue the widow from the zombie circuit of the Connecticut suburbs. A zombie, however, is what Cary's children feel comfortable with, so when they chase Kirby away, they buy their mother a sort of surrogate lover, a television set("the world's parade at your FINGERTIPS"), to keep her company. Conversely, it's the zombies themselves who come for Mary in the form of D.C. men outfitted in astronaut suits, invading the house "Night of the Living Dead"-style. Near the man crashing through the window blinds, the moviegoer pays special attention to the train-set moving along the circular track, an object suddenly foregrounded through its life-sized counterpart that the kids use in "The Case"(the zombie movie), forcing in the moviegoer a rethink of the way Spielberg portrays the suburbs in "E.T." as the golden wonderland of yesteryear, by its association with the darker "Super 8" where an entire subdivision is used as the setting for a war between the government and the alien, in which the whole neighborhood gets pounded good. In the Spielberg film, a government agent tells Elliott, "I'm glad he met you first," because had E.T. met the same fate as Aqua(who makes first contact with the millitary), "Super 8" suggests that bedlam would likely have followed. E.T. is good because Elliott is good; his telekinetic powers, at the employ of benevolence, could easily have turned Carrie-like if threatened, as is the case with Aqua, who grows up in government captivity. "Super 8" makes us realize that Elliott's friend, likewise, had the potential to kill. As suggested by the period setting of "The Case"(Charles has his leading man wear a fedora and trenchcoat), the children reject the notion that they're living in a golden age(ala "Midnight in Paris").… Expand
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10
destroya1artJul 27, 2011
This movie was alot of fun! if youve seen E.T, The Sandlot, and aliens. Just MIX them all together and you get SUPER 8 a witty, fun movie that has its share of action! this movie made me feel like i was in the 80's. it took me back and it wasThis movie was alot of fun! if youve seen E.T, The Sandlot, and aliens. Just MIX them all together and you get SUPER 8 a witty, fun movie that has its share of action! this movie made me feel like i was in the 80's. it took me back and it was so AMAZING! i loved it. the cast, the direction, the story, it was a bit cheesy towards the end. but still really great MOVIE! and i cant wait till it comes out on blu-ray.… Expand
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9
Belmont-ReviewJul 27, 2011
This movie was perfect till the end. A glowing front story accompanied by a compelling back story. It was well acted, well filmed, well casted, and the script was flawless. It is 100% worth seeing, and expect a solid conclusion, even if it isThis movie was perfect till the end. A glowing front story accompanied by a compelling back story. It was well acted, well filmed, well casted, and the script was flawless. It is 100% worth seeing, and expect a solid conclusion, even if it is lacking.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
jokersace45Jul 27, 2011
Super 8 was a great combination of comedy, drama, sci-fi, suspense, and action. Most of this movie kept me on the edge of my seat. However some parts where just messed up. If you love suspense , drama and sci-fi
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9
saketnJul 27, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Super 8 was a surprisingly delightful movie. Judging by the teasers I was really not interested in it at all but with names like Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams being branded on every trailer and poster I simply had to give it a shot. And I was really glad I did because it was very very good. It was really a tribute to the movies of the late 20th century wasn't it? It had all the elements of Spielberg's classic E.T. with a close group of friends on bicycles riding about town shooting scenes for a movie with "production value", adults who seem to be one step behind the kids on the whole mystery, the government intervention and of course an extraterrestrial being "trying to go home". The special effects were great, especially the train crash. Very breathtaking stuff. But even with all the amazing effects and all the action going around, we never really forget the emotional side of it all, Abrams never let's the action upstage the human aspect of the story. Joe who recently lost his mother to a violent tragedy lives with his grief-stricken, depressed and distant father begins to bond with Alice in an 8mm film production of zombies, she herself has father issues. Their relationship reminds me a bit of Abby and Owen in Let Me In united by their own little tragedies, finding solace in each other. Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney play their roles exceptionally well, amazing since it's their first time in a major movie. It was really refreshing to finally watch a movie which was not rushed through production (yeah I'm looking at you X-Men), very carefully thought out and which really took it's own time to tell the story that it wants to tell. I wasn't born in the 60s or 70s but watching Super 8 made me feel like I was in that period of time of filmmaking, it felt very authentic. The closing credits was awesome.… Expand
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8
BadsniperJul 23, 2011
Though it wasn't much of a movie to watch with friends, it still had some pretty cool scenes. watching this with family though would be much more suitable as it accomplishes that sense of loss while maintaining a sense of adventure.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
phyuiJul 21, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Super 8, at its core and on paper, sounds like a tremendous idea. You have steven spielberg, a fabulous director directing a movie about a monster that comes and terrorizes the city, sounds good enough, right? Well, not exactly. The way the movie is put together is utterly disappointing, and the ending is wrapped up quickly without tying up any loose ends. The movie is about a boy and his friends shooting a movie with their super 8 camera for a movie festival. They are making a zombie movie, and one night get a girl in the grade above them to drive them out to a train depot to shoot. While filming, a train is coming by and the boys would love to use it for good background and effects. They accidentally capture the train being sabotaged by a driver and the train exploding, as well as the monster escaping. He is a monster from outer space that was being imprisoned and tortured for years. The movie is mostly about the relationship that grows between the main boy and girl characters, with the monster just "being there" in the background. That is where Super 8 falls, the monster isn't really the main story, he's just there to spice things up while the other parts of the movie go along. The movie could have just about the relationship with the boy and his father as well as the boy and the girl, and it could have been a movie just about a slice of life. But the monster ruins the movie by constant interruptions and just plain stupidity. The children are captured by military officials, and eventually that is what leads them to the monster. They find out the monsters story which is that he just wants to go home, which is both stupid and has been done before, and the boy just tells the monster to go home, and he leaves, and that is how they wrap the movie up. It is a very disappointing, and doesn't tie anything up.… Expand
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10
annachristina65Jul 21, 2011
Saw this in the theatre, and was pleasantly surprised. Having heard from friends that it would be a waste of money, that it was slow etc, I found an intriguing, exciting story with real characters who actually have feelings. In the usualSaw this in the theatre, and was pleasantly surprised. Having heard from friends that it would be a waste of money, that it was slow etc, I found an intriguing, exciting story with real characters who actually have feelings. In the usual action movie people are dying left and right without nobody being the least upset, the hero just throwing one-liners left and right. Loved the dialogue, funny and witty and the fact that the fat guy actually was portrayed as a real person with real feelings and intelligence. Great that we don't get to see the alien until late in the movie. First I was afraid it was just a huge spider, but thankfully it turned out to be a little more elaborate than that. My favourite characters were those of Elle Fanning and Ron Eldard. But all around a great performance. And the end credits were a laugh too!… Expand
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9
adambehrendsJul 20, 2011
great movie, some explicit lang. other than that it's a classic. late 70's early 80's mystery, what is it.the fanning girl and the sheriff's boy did a great job chubby controling kids was "mint" I thought the tone of the show was reallygreat movie, some explicit lang. other than that it's a classic. late 70's early 80's mystery, what is it.the fanning girl and the sheriff's boy did a great job chubby controling kids was "mint" I thought the tone of the show was really authentic. the end was a little anti climactic. they could've explained a little more about mysterious cubes. 2 fathers could've had a little more to their conclusion also.… Expand
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7
krbcanJul 18, 2011
I had huge expectations for this movie, but walked away somewhat disappointed. The movie started slow, and then was nearly frantic in the middle, and the ending was just plain disappointing. I thought it would wind up being a "feel-good"I had huge expectations for this movie, but walked away somewhat disappointed. The movie started slow, and then was nearly frantic in the middle, and the ending was just plain disappointing. I thought it would wind up being a "feel-good" movie, and my feeling was "That's it? Really?".

The kids were great actors though -- too bad they didnt have better material… Expand
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6
wishmasterJul 17, 2011
I liked the movie, funny moments, but sometimes I felt like I was watching the movie silly typical of children, if I have to applaud is all you have to do with the creation and arrangement of the sound, very good, Pd: my sister did not like,I liked the movie, funny moments, but sometimes I felt like I was watching the movie silly typical of children, if I have to applaud is all you have to do with the creation and arrangement of the sound, very good, Pd: my sister did not like, and Charles is so funny.… Expand
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9
lkusaJul 17, 2011
Well-cast, well-written, fast-paced, well-directed, exciting, fun, believably unbelievable. A great effort, well worth a $9 ticket. The Air Force 'bad guys' get their come-uppance, fathers become closer to their children, young heroesWell-cast, well-written, fast-paced, well-directed, exciting, fun, believably unbelievable. A great effort, well worth a $9 ticket. The Air Force 'bad guys' get their come-uppance, fathers become closer to their children, young heroes discover their strengths. What's not to like?… Expand
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6
davenbettridgeJul 17, 2011
Super 8 is a half good movie, more good than bad but despite having some charm, is bogged down with issues and a story that feels disjointed with awkward unrelated subplots. In the end why this movie needed a monster/alien is puzzling to meSuper 8 is a half good movie, more good than bad but despite having some charm, is bogged down with issues and a story that feels disjointed with awkward unrelated subplots. In the end why this movie needed a monster/alien is puzzling to me as it only seems to be shoved in so the movie can claim to be a 'homage to Spielberg movies', the movie is named after the alien but the alien to Super 8s story was unnecessary! I did enjoy the story of the young kids making a movie, but the forced alien plot was fairly forgettable and pointless. Super was only ok, I wanted to like it more however its issues pull it short of a good movie.… Expand
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8
MrFpeasJul 16, 2011
Super 8 was a very enjoyable movie with a plot and style that brought a 'blast from the past' to me. From the start (seeing as the kids were a major force in this movie) it had that "Goonies" feel to me. As they characterized the kids duringSuper 8 was a very enjoyable movie with a plot and style that brought a 'blast from the past' to me. From the start (seeing as the kids were a major force in this movie) it had that "Goonies" feel to me. As they characterized the kids during the movie, I was very happy with how they showed off the kids in this movie. They didn't overdo it with them or make them feel like a useless bunch of idiots, they were portrayed as they should have been: a bunch of kids who got caught up in a big mess. At times, the kids acting was a little off to me, quoting from Nostalgia critic "I'M ACTING". And I lost my taste for happy endings (thank you Game of Thrones), so I was not a fan of the "IT'S OK, BAD THINGS ALWAYS HAPPEN" ending. But all in all, it was a very good movie and worth seeing in theaters.… Expand
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9
AVCITYJul 13, 2011
Everything about this movie was delightful. The young kid actors are really great and the way the movie unfolds is really engaging. There is a sense of wonder in the narrative and also great emotional depth in our protagonist. His sense ofEverything about this movie was delightful. The young kid actors are really great and the way the movie unfolds is really engaging. There is a sense of wonder in the narrative and also great emotional depth in our protagonist. His sense of loss and journey to move on at the end really seals the film in a satisfying way. J.J Abrams knows how to tell a story with great care and affection for the characters. This film is more than just a nostalgic adventure of the past but a modern classic.… Expand
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9
BlogDog123Jul 12, 2011
Are you bored and looking for a good movie this summer? Then pay for tickets for Super 8, an amazing movie that seems like a semi-sequel to E.T. The characters are memorable, and the special effects and acting are top-notch.
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8
frugalDonnieJul 12, 2011
This film brought back all the wonderful memories of childhood, playing in the moon light, telling monster stories by the camp fire and the power of a child's imagination. With a simple story line, granted not very original story, the movieThis film brought back all the wonderful memories of childhood, playing in the moon light, telling monster stories by the camp fire and the power of a child's imagination. With a simple story line, granted not very original story, the movie is fun. What is really amazing about the film are the kid actors, their performance are just wonderful, bring depth and emotion to the film. J.J. Abrams' Super 8 is a must see!!… Expand
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4
andrew5725Jul 11, 2011
Overall. I'm not a fan of the genre, but I found this movie to be mostly predictable and in some parts downright boring. It was saved from receiving a lower rating by allowing me to reminisce on how good E.T. was.
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4
OveR-Jul 10, 2011
How can people actually like this movie that much? Sure, it had its moments, but thats not enough to make this a good movie. After seeing the trailer me and my friends were thinking "oh boy, this looks like an awesome movie!", and it startedHow can people actually like this movie that much? Sure, it had its moments, but thats not enough to make this a good movie. After seeing the trailer me and my friends were thinking "oh boy, this looks like an awesome movie!", and it started off promising. But the more we watched the worse it got... After leaving the cinema we all had this deep feeling of disappointment, that this movie had potential, but didnt quite reach there... The second half ruined it for me. You might like it if youre seeing it as a tribute for other Spielberg movies, but if you're like me and think of this as a "standalone" movie you might be disappointed...… Expand
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9
FinnaticJul 10, 2011
Put Goonies, Cloverfield, and E.T. in a blender, mix gently, and out pops Super 8. There's so much magic going on in this film that even an IMAX screen could barely contain all the action. I just loved the nostalgia that coats so manyPut Goonies, Cloverfield, and E.T. in a blender, mix gently, and out pops Super 8. There's so much magic going on in this film that even an IMAX screen could barely contain all the action. I just loved the nostalgia that coats so many frames of Super 8. If you love movies, you will at least like this one. If you are expecting a sci-fi extravaganza, that's not the point here. This one is all about youth and adventure. Stick around for the closing credits. I hope you put Super 8 high up on your summer viewing list. A full price evening admission wouldn't even deter me from seeing this one. Highly recommended!… Expand
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0
MitropaJul 9, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Super 8 is a very bad movie, and when i say "bad" i mean BAD, probably the worst sci-fi movie I have seen in years. The script is ridiculous (a pack of boring cliches), the acting is poor and i still thinking about a pick-up that destroys an entire military train. Unbelievable. Please don't waste your time and money on this piece of crap.… Expand
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4
harlanpepperJul 8, 2011
This movie promised to be a suspenseful, wacky, and exciting hit due to the powerhouse combination of Abrams/Spielberg, and then it went and proved us wrong. I wish I could go as far as to say that the movie was at least fun, but it wasn't.This movie promised to be a suspenseful, wacky, and exciting hit due to the powerhouse combination of Abrams/Spielberg, and then it went and proved us wrong. I wish I could go as far as to say that the movie was at least fun, but it wasn't. The action, plot, and story felt like something we've all seen a hundred times, and the action was dull (to put it nicely). A serious disappointment.… Expand
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10
Juanita2k8Jul 8, 2011
Really, Steven Spielberg, what were you thinking? This movie reminded me of a nightmare I had as a child. I was running from death and I would wake up in a cold sweat every time. To have these children running from death in the entireReally, Steven Spielberg, what were you thinking? This movie reminded me of a nightmare I had as a child. I was running from death and I would wake up in a cold sweat every time. To have these children running from death in the entire movie was a little much. And the train wreck. It wasn't just a train wreck. It was a colossal train wreck. That part I liked. But what I am angry about is the last scene where tthe alien is gathering all the metal to reconstruct. To take the child's only remembrance of his mother. I thought that was extremely selfish of the alien. Yes all the microwaves, all the bikes, all the scrap metal, but no, not the necklace! Really!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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3
therealestdanJul 7, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Long time user but I finally decided to sign up here just to voice my opinion on what a piece of garbage this movie was. It was entertaining for about 30 minutes until I realized this crew of kids reminded me of something I had seen before long ago. Then it hit me, The Goonies. I could not get the comparison between the stories and characters out of my head for the remainder of the movie. Take the Goonies, add in a ton of loud, unnecessary, over the top Spielberg special effects and swap out Sloth for some homesick, pissed off alien being that best connects with a 12 year old boy from the middle of Ohio and you've got your movie. Save yourself the $10 and the 2 hours, pop in The Goonies, and watch a much better version of the same story.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
StalhzJul 6, 2011
A very good movie. Great acting from the kids and adults alike. Good cinematography, a good couple of twists. Decent action, and good writing, especially with the kids. Their interactions are very similar to me and my friends when we wereA very good movie. Great acting from the kids and adults alike. Good cinematography, a good couple of twists. Decent action, and good writing, especially with the kids. Their interactions are very similar to me and my friends when we were kids, and thus are very believable. Now for the bad. The plot has a few holes in it. The alien design and motives have been copied from District 9 in more then enough ways to be mildly annoying. It's also overly dramatic at times, at one part it was on the levels of soap opera. All in all, Super 8 is a well written(at least the parts with the kids), well acted, well filmed movie. Its not perfect but who is? Its not going to change your life or make your top 5 movies list, but it will be enjoyed.… Expand
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5
lahaineJul 6, 2011
I must say, I was quite disappointed with Super 8, I was expecting allot more from an Abrams/Spielberg collaboration. After seeing films such as Cloverfield and Star Trek, Abrams skills as a producer and Director (respectively) is without aI must say, I was quite disappointed with Super 8, I was expecting allot more from an Abrams/Spielberg collaboration. After seeing films such as Cloverfield and Star Trek, Abrams skills as a producer and Director (respectively) is without a doubt good. In fact, Abrams did an okay job directing super 8, by drawing good performances from the young cast and successfully mimicking the aesthetics of Spielberg's work of the 70's and 80's (like Jaws and E.T. just to name a few). But unlike Spielberg's work he failed to tell a good story, which leads to the downfall of this well produced film, Its Screenplay. It was underwritten, causing viewers to witness a half-baked plot being unfolded and care little about our characters by the end of it all. It eventually lead to a climatic mess, which is unfortunate, as it was really working with a good cast and a good premise. Despite these artistic misshaps it was an entertaining, well-meaning summer flick with sweeping visual effect and well constructed action pieces. Despite my disappointment, It would be wrong to give this anything less than 5 because it wasn't bad... It was an okay movie.… Expand
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8
avj37Jul 5, 2011
Nostalgic doesn't even begin to describe it. This movie is what I would classify as a modern day E.T.

The movie was really great, The acting, writing, and the execution of the whole film was great. While it did have issues by beingNostalgic doesn't even begin to describe it. This movie is what I would classify as a modern day E.T.

The movie was really great, The acting, writing, and the execution of the whole film was great. While it did have issues by being predictable. This movie is a good throw back on what movies were like back then.

Super 8 is full of emotions, the actors/actresses were great. Even for child/teenage actors they were fantastic. You really feel that these kids are really just kids, that are forced into this situation.

While the ending was a bit sloppy. A miss-understood alien that is forced to fight to go home. While being predictable, it does offer thrill and excitement up to the part where you actually see the alien/monster.

While Super 8 doesn't live up to the hype of all the teaser trailers. It still is a great movie to watch.… Expand
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9
NegativeCreepJul 5, 2011
Much better than I expected. The kid actors are the film's strongest aspect by far. They actually act like real kids would in the situation and are great characters. The first half of the movie was great, but twords the end extremelyMuch better than I expected. The kid actors are the film's strongest aspect by far. They actually act like real kids would in the situation and are great characters. The first half of the movie was great, but twords the end extremely unnecessary and out of place action sequences were just randomly thrown in essentially resulting in literally everything either being blown-up or caught on fire. The movie would have been so much better had the monster plot never been thrown in in the first place.… Expand
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10
sissytooJul 3, 2011
I loved this movie. The children played their roles as well as any veteran actor. Good storyline. The suspense builds quickly and keeps your attention, I was never bored. Abrams and Spielberg have done well, a good collaboration. I had readI loved this movie. The children played their roles as well as any veteran actor. Good storyline. The suspense builds quickly and keeps your attention, I was never bored. Abrams and Spielberg have done well, a good collaboration. I had read some bad reviews but there were more good than bad, so I took a chance. It's a movie that I would see again. Excellent acting and plenty of action. What's not to like? If you like sci fi and action, this is your film.… Expand
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3
OutrageousTejasJul 3, 2011
More like asiNINE. Dull characters, a trivialized emotional core, overdramatic narrative amidst random explosions. The plot had more holes than swiss cheese, and the dialogue was even cheesier. I had to suspend disbelief so often, I almostMore like asiNINE. Dull characters, a trivialized emotional core, overdramatic narrative amidst random explosions. The plot had more holes than swiss cheese, and the dialogue was even cheesier. I had to suspend disbelief so often, I almost got vertigo. A train wreck of a movie.… Expand
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3
JnelsonthekainJul 2, 2011
This movie did nothing for me. I didn't like the characters, I didn't find it exciting. I suppose that they were trying to emulate ET in some ways--it wasn't in the same solar system.
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9
AlnORTIZJul 2, 2011
Two years ago, J.J. Abrams gave us the breathtaking film, Star Trek. Two years later, Abrams gives us the best original film in a long time. The acting in this film is brilliant, especially the kids! The story in this film is very simple andTwo years ago, J.J. Abrams gave us the breathtaking film, Star Trek. Two years later, Abrams gives us the best original film in a long time. The acting in this film is brilliant, especially the kids! The story in this film is very simple and put together well. The visuals in this film were stunning and the direction this film went in was very well done. This is the best movie of 2011 thus far as of June 12th, 2011.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
NEEBONDJul 2, 2011
A simple perfect summer movie with a very interesting story. Suitable for all age groups go for it. The main thing is its theme like 70's retro classic movie. Simply superb.
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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9
margiezJul 1, 2011
I was not sure going by the trailers, but the movie was great to watch. Brought me back in time, fast paced and original. I got to know the characters and the special effects were great! Worth seeing.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
fistobuizelJul 1, 2011
A fun mix of Sci-Fi and Drama, this movie, despite what it might seem, is completely original. It is an experience that is meant to be seen on the big screen.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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1
Frank1940Jul 1, 2011
Blast it to.... I mean .. I didn't know HOW to do that score thingy for my bad review of SUPER 8 so I demand to change it now! Here 'tiz ONE. Terrible movie experience rated by this handsome hunk of a 71 year old movie, wide screen, 3D,Blast it to.... I mean .. I didn't know HOW to do that score thingy for my bad review of SUPER 8 so I demand to change it now! Here 'tiz ONE. Terrible movie experience rated by this handsome hunk of a 71 year old movie, wide screen, 3D, Technicolor, Cinemascope, VistaVision, RealD, THX Dolby ever lovin' Celluloid junkie!!!… Expand
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7
duhhitscolinJun 29, 2011
I went into this movie with high expectations. I didn't exactly got what i wanted, but i was entertained. I was pretty excited through-out the movie because i could really see the Speilsberg-ish scenes spilling over. There was not just oneI went into this movie with high expectations. I didn't exactly got what i wanted, but i was entertained. I was pretty excited through-out the movie because i could really see the Speilsberg-ish scenes spilling over. There was not just one father-son problem that the film tackled, but two in fact (ok... father-daughter, whatever).
I loved the lines, they were crafted well and the actors were casted well. The lines were delivered perfectly.
The ending totally spoiled everything though, it felt like JJ got tired half-way through.
Not his best, but at least, as i said earlier, i'm entertained… Expand
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1
RishmanJun 29, 2011
This movie was terrible, but a huge accomplishment for Abrams and Speilberg. This film proves that they have a fan base that will support anything they make. It's puzzling how Abrams makes these trailers where you have no idea what the movieThis movie was terrible, but a huge accomplishment for Abrams and Speilberg. This film proves that they have a fan base that will support anything they make. It's puzzling how Abrams makes these trailers where you have no idea what the movie is about and people react with "this is gonna be awesome." A story about children and an alien...Let's just say if I made the exact same movie, metacritic would give it a 12.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
stpmmathsJun 29, 2011
Super 8 is easily the best monster movie around. It delivers all the action that a movie should have and add feeling, yes, humanity into a monster movie. Highly recommended!
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
tech953Jun 28, 2011
As an avid fan of all Steven Speilberg movies, I rank this as one of my all time favorites. Really the movie nailed the style of the late 1900s and brought a unique view onto the world of children, reminescant of the book IT by Stephan King.As an avid fan of all Steven Speilberg movies, I rank this as one of my all time favorites. Really the movie nailed the style of the late 1900s and brought a unique view onto the world of children, reminescant of the book IT by Stephan King. The only thing I felt was missing from this superbly done, action packed, and expertly paced film is a incorporation of a bond between the monster and the children. I feel it was shown as to violent and wild and very little was shown of its intelligence. other than that this was a amazing film that I very much enjoyed.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
SuperVincentJun 28, 2011
Superb. I was a little skeptical because it looked like a typical summer blockbuster and typical JJ Abrams movie. Since cloverfield literally bored me to sleep, I really didn't care to see this movie, even if it did advertise itself to beSuperb. I was a little skeptical because it looked like a typical summer blockbuster and typical JJ Abrams movie. Since cloverfield literally bored me to sleep, I really didn't care to see this movie, even if it did advertise itself to be something more than just a popcorn flick. But this movie is completely character based. Every scene and line of dialogue is there to serve the characters. The monster just seemed like a subplot that was happening in the background and sometimes interfered with the main story. The child acting was spotty at times but strong from the two main kids. Great balance and pacing, it seemed like all the elements of this movie just came together perfectly. I feel like this movie transcended the very distinct line that separates blockbusters from art.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
spacecaptainJun 28, 2011
The first half is wonderful, evocative of works by Stephen King, Steven Spielberg and Ray Bradbury. Then the second half goes right in the dumper. The story kicks in and you can't wait for the thing to be over. I really wanted to like thisThe first half is wonderful, evocative of works by Stephen King, Steven Spielberg and Ray Bradbury. Then the second half goes right in the dumper. The story kicks in and you can't wait for the thing to be over. I really wanted to like this movie --actually I did for about 45 minutes. So I can only score Super 8 as I did. One half of a success.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MikeMaximusJun 28, 2011
An entertaining movie, I thought it was a great performance by the young actors compared to other movies i've seen. I really enjoyed the first 1/2 of the movie until it began to focus more on the creature and the story became thinner untilAn entertaining movie, I thought it was a great performance by the young actors compared to other movies i've seen. I really enjoyed the first 1/2 of the movie until it began to focus more on the creature and the story became thinner until presented with the predictable and sappy ending. I left with a feeling that it could have been much better, but it was still worth seeing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
DhorloJun 27, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What is the obsession with J.J. Abrams? The majority of his movies good then he add elements that taint the experience as a whole. Like eating an omelet and biting into an eggshell. The overuse of lens flares boarded on annoying and the attempt at the end to make you feel sorry for the creature and happy that it was finally able to go home was like trying to make you feel sorry for someone who abuses their spouse. The thing was eating a human leg and had other innocent people hung up for snacks when it got hungry. I mean come on. If I was stranded on a planet where intelligent cows dominated, I think it would be a bad move, diplomatically to start killing them because I was hungry for a cheeseburger. And don't say, "maybe it wasn't smart enough to think of that", it was smart enough to rebuild it's space ship.

Someone needs to tell J.J. that plot holes are the "eggshell" in the "omelet".… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
BikerjamesJun 27, 2011
The special effects in this movie were spectacular. The train wreck was amazing. The acting by the kids was very good. If you're looking for plausibility, this movie might not be for you. But if you're looking for a fun, good time at theThe special effects in this movie were spectacular. The train wreck was amazing. The acting by the kids was very good. If you're looking for plausibility, this movie might not be for you. But if you're looking for a fun, good time at the movies, this movie certainly worked for me. It also had one scene where I almost jumped out of my seat! I won't spoil the scene but I wasn't expecting it and it definitely was the scariest moment I've had at a movie in a long time. This will be a blu-ray purchase when it comes out. The sounds and effects are spectacular. Great job by all involved.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
emirbudJun 26, 2011
This movie is boring, dull, and uninteresting. The plot is unimaginative and plain dumb. Hard to believe Spielberg signed his name to this. Initially, I thought of scoring it one, but then I thought... NAH!
0 of 8 users found this helpful08
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8
RoscoeYJun 26, 2011
While this movie seemed to rely on the nostalgia factor to grab audiences I think that this film brought much more than a simple trip down memory lane to the table. I originally went to see this movie because I was curious about the alienWhile this movie seemed to rely on the nostalgia factor to grab audiences I think that this film brought much more than a simple trip down memory lane to the table. I originally went to see this movie because I was curious about the alien creature and there was really a small amount of scenes involving the alien. What sold the movie for me was the characters. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between the kids and how they were tangled into an area 51 cover-up plot. The movie also has a lot of heart, well a lot for an action summer flick. The relationship between the main character and his dad is put to good use. The strenuous effect that the death of the main character's mother has on him and his father make for some complex character development that is greatly welcomed. My only gripe with the film is that it can feel like two movies, the alien and the supernatural events that happen don't quite mesh with the overall plot of the film. This movie did what it was supposed to do and then some, and is absolutely worthy of your time. I give this movie a SUPER 8! (get it?)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
EPICsliceOFcakeJun 26, 2011
This movie is decent. Not great, not bad, not really painfully average either. It's one of those movies that you're glad you saw it, but you wouldn't care to ever see it again. There was a good cast of interesting and fleshed out characters.This movie is decent. Not great, not bad, not really painfully average either. It's one of those movies that you're glad you saw it, but you wouldn't care to ever see it again. There was a good cast of interesting and fleshed out characters. It has some creepy moments and good special effects. The highlight of the film was probably the train wreck scene which was very chaotic and loud. Throughout the first half of the film, there's this growing tension as weird things are happening around the town and people are going missing. It was cool but I thought it should have been explored a bit more. And that represents the biggest problem with the movie- it's all style and no substance. There's not much of a story. It seems the writer forgot the rules of Dramatic Structure. You're supposed to have falling action in between the climax and resolution. In the movie, you get to the big face off between the protagonist and antagonist and five minutes later, the credits role. The ending is more or less what ruined the movie. It's so abrupt and unsatisfying. And it's not a case of "It's not the destination but the journey there". No, the movie builds up a whole bunch of events and mysteries that get you excited to see the conclusion. You want to see how it all worked out. But instead, you get a giant middle finger. Sad. It was a fun movie though and I would recommend seeing it. Just watch with low expectations.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
poily45Jun 25, 2011
Great movie the music was perfect and fulfills the atmosphere and the visual affects are astounding....
great character development and overall not a bad film.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
FatalExcursionJun 25, 2011
A cinematic masterpiece that pays brilliant homage to Spielberg, while keeping the audience entertained with special effects, suspense, and awkward adolescent love. A great feature by all means.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BingoTrousers14Jun 25, 2011
This movie was good but it could of had more potential. It had a boring love interest and too many stereotypes of a Spielberg film, but had some really cool characters and a good set of action and investigation type scenes to boot.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
jredekopJun 24, 2011
A great summer blockbuster. It took elements of many of Steven Spielberg's older movies (maybe a little heavy on the E.T. there, Stevie) and it ended making another classic on his part. It was entertaining, but still had depth in characterA great summer blockbuster. It took elements of many of Steven Spielberg's older movies (maybe a little heavy on the E.T. there, Stevie) and it ended making another classic on his part. It was entertaining, but still had depth in character development and plot, as well as a great script.The only complaints I have here are a bit of an over the top train crash and a cheesy "he just wants to go home" speech by the main character. Definitely the movie to go see right now.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
Supe8SuxJun 24, 2011
DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU PLAN ON GOING TO SEE SUPER 8 !!!!!!!!!
BUT, COME BACK AND READ IT AFTER YOU SEE THE MOVIE.
I can't believe that I just watched the same Super 8 that all the other people who wrote reviews about this movie watched.DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU PLAN ON GOING TO SEE SUPER 8 !!!!!!!!!
BUT, COME BACK AND READ IT AFTER YOU SEE THE MOVIE.

I can't believe that I just watched the same Super 8 that all the other people who wrote reviews about this movie watched. This was the worst movie that I have seen since Bobby Deerfield ! Abrams would have done better making a movie about a chain of motels.First, how the hell does the teacher survive a head on collision with a mega-ton , high speed train and come away with just some facial cuts ????? WTF. Then, can anybody explain to me why and/or how the deputy sheriffs wife died and why did the young girls Dad feel guilty about it? From here (about 7-8 minutes into the movie) , it got more absurd. The alien, referred to as HE, goes through the better part of the flick tossing cars, trucks , stoves , busses and whatever around like he's flipping pancakes, but at the used car lot, he meticulously removes all the engines from all the cars without not even putting a scratch on any of the cars. Now, throughout the movie, HE, collects some humans and stores them upside down in his batcave or whatever you want to call it, for what reason?? Never explained! I just read a review where the reviewer had commented on the " Teary-Eyed Ending".......ARE YOU F*****G SH*****G ME ??????? I felt more sympathy for Momma Alien when Sigourney dispatched her permanently. And as far as the ENDING ending......PUHLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ. HE, either magnetically or telepathically sucks up cars, trucks, rifles , stoves and the like to form what is supposed to be his escape ship. But, some of the soldiers still had their rifles and amidst this sucking up of everything metallic in sight, the deputy sheriff pulls up in a Jeep that for some strange reason must have been sprinkled with some magic military dust, because it was not affected by this magnetic sucking upness. I don't know, maybe I should have burned one before I watched this piece of utter trash. I left with the feeling that my intelligence was questioned. 100% disappointed.… Expand
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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10
TygreDocJun 24, 2011
I was very disappointed, Expected much more from Spielberg/Abrams. Lots of contrived suspense with very little pay-off. There is simply no emotional investment in the "character" at the end. If you need one character to TELL you how anotherI was very disappointed, Expected much more from Spielberg/Abrams. Lots of contrived suspense with very little pay-off. There is simply no emotional investment in the "character" at the end. If you need one character to TELL you how another character or creature thinks/feels ("when I touched it") it's because the script is poor and you didn't make the viewer care! Rent ET and save the money. At the very least, rent it later.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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9
igotrhythmJun 23, 2011
Engaging, entertaining, with well-executed comic relief- this movie was just a fun ride through a child's perspective of horrible events. Decent acting, intense special effects, and effective script-writing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
koobz2142Jun 23, 2011
I messed up the rating on my first review, so this will even it out
extra characterssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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10
KzooScottJun 22, 2011
Excellent movie. Different than the usual sci-fi fare. Character driven, authentic and the coming of age puppy love story is charming. Worth the price of admission which is hard to say about most movies these days.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
bigscreenfanJun 21, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You know the old expression, â… Expand
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5
DerKriegerJun 21, 2011
A decent film, but I expected more. I have to admit, that the train crash was amazing; however the rest of the film was not. It started out interesting, but after about half an hour it started falling apart. They started out making a coolA decent film, but I expected more. I have to admit, that the train crash was amazing; however the rest of the film was not. It started out interesting, but after about half an hour it started falling apart. They started out making a cool script, but just decided to remake E.T. I also thought it was going to be scary, it wasn't though. Also, Super 8 is a weak title, considering the film is a very small part of the movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Bullet97Jun 21, 2011
Super 8 was probably my most anticipated movie of the summer, and it didn't dissapoint one bit. Super 8 is simply.....amazing. Like many people, I grew up with classic Spielberg movies, so having that nostalgia come back was a great feeling.Super 8 was probably my most anticipated movie of the summer, and it didn't dissapoint one bit. Super 8 is simply.....amazing. Like many people, I grew up with classic Spielberg movies, so having that nostalgia come back was a great feeling. JJ Abrams is one of the best directors out there right now. He does a phenomal job with the action and visuals, but knows to push those in the the background so the characters, story, and emotion are the main focus. Surprisingly, the kids were my favorite part of the movie. They were great, funny, and did a great job with the emotional scenes. My favorites would have to be Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning. The suspense JJ Abrams creates, especially in the last 1/2 hour, is so intense to the point where I could've had a heart attack. Lastly, the characters are so well developed and the whole movie is very touching. So overall, Super 8 is my favorite movie of the year, so great, if you haven't, see it right now.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
JamesLJun 20, 2011
Although it ended up being another Spielberg alien flick, it took a different route and course to get there. That made it more interesting and more enjoyable. I was never bored except for the Spielberg ending which I anticipated. This is oneAlthough it ended up being another Spielberg alien flick, it took a different route and course to get there. That made it more interesting and more enjoyable. I was never bored except for the Spielberg ending which I anticipated. This is one of the better summer escape movies. Better than X-Men.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
AlfredJun 20, 2011
I loved this movie. It was emotional, it was funny, and over all it was just fun. I walked out of this theater with a revived sense of hope that movies can be as great as they were 25 years ago. Where Indiana Jones 4 fell short, Super 8I loved this movie. It was emotional, it was funny, and over all it was just fun. I walked out of this theater with a revived sense of hope that movies can be as great as they were 25 years ago. Where Indiana Jones 4 fell short, Super 8 thrived. It combined modern special effects with the writing style of Steven Spielberg in his prime.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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