Super 8

9

chryzJun 20, 2011

This movie is amazing, period. A tribute to the adventure movies like Indy and The Goonies, is really fun and the effects are good. The storyline is well written and the kids are real characters, very enjoyable.

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4

LeahAndNicJun 20, 2011

Goonies Part 2 or E.T. part 2. With the tagline "THIS TIME HE'S P.O.'d. It didn't help that I saw it a week after the hype. So I was let down. But let's be honest, everything you see in the previews tells the story. The 70's nostalgicGoonies Part 2 or E.T. part 2. With the tagline "THIS TIME HE'S P.O.'d. It didn't help that I saw it a week after the hype. So I was let down. But let's be honest, everything you see in the previews tells the story. The 70's nostalgic era grows tiresome. FNL's Coach can't save the dragging. And I was just waiting for the chubby kid to do the Truffle Shuffle.

I have to be honest, I have not truly enjoyed a Spielberg movie in a long time...Crystal Skull anybody? This was better than most of his efforts of late. And Abrams is style over substance. Cloverfield was good in the theaters and this movie is like a prequel to that in a way.

This movie grows tiresome. And the ending was awful. I was very let down. Now all that being said, I think this would make a great movie for some kids to cut their sci-fi horror teeth on. It's got some quick easy scares and some fun old time sci-fi ideas.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

karmasleeperJun 20, 2011

Overall, a well presented movie with interesting characters and story which unfortunately suffers from sometimes forced dialogue/humor and trying to cover too much ground.

Super 8 is a movie which tries to do a lot of things and please aOverall, a well presented movie with interesting characters and story which unfortunately suffers from sometimes forced dialogue/humor and trying to cover too much ground.

Super 8 is a movie which tries to do a lot of things and please a wide spectrum of audience. In short, it's a summer movie with the mystery and suspense of aliens and military cover ups, a coming of age story, and a single parent raising a child solo. The movie balances all these elements without falling short in terms of presentation or pace, but the overall narrative ends up with a few holes in it, namely the scenes involving the alien. These scenes are by far the weakest in the film. Part way through, the movie reveals the alien's motivations, and shortly after, subsequent scenes seem to conflict with these motives or offer no explanation for their occurrence. The scenes with the middle school kids and their summer escapades showcase some of the most well written scenes in the movie, however at times the children's dialogue and humor either feels forced or simply sounds strange coming out of the mouth of a child. In other words, the children sometimes speak as no child their age would speak and act with an air of adult maturity I've yet to see a junior high student possess. Additionally, the children's humorous dialogue unfortunately works against many of the scenes in the latter portions of the film shattering to pieces any sense of suspense or danger those scenes attempt to instill.

Super 8 is a well packaged and presented film whose minor short comings might irritate some movie goers enough to make them wonder if this is just a remake of E.T. with a less friendly alien.… Expand

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4

bikemanJun 20, 2011

This is your basic summer monster movie. A little better than average, but not by much. It borrows a lot from other films of the genre and there is really nothing original here. The plot is simplistic and full of holes and inconsistencies.This is your basic summer monster movie. A little better than average, but not by much. It borrows a lot from other films of the genre and there is really nothing original here. The plot is simplistic and full of holes and inconsistencies. Special effects and CGI are on par with similar films. I'm not saying its a bad movies, it's just not very good and certainly does not live up to the hype.… Expand

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9

RogueGhostJun 20, 2011

A rare summer action film that places characters above CGI and emotion above cheap thrills.

Yes, it is a monster movie, but it's a monster movie with a human heart. There is a lot of action, some truly extraordinary explosions and theA rare summer action film that places characters above CGI and emotion above cheap thrills.

Yes, it is a monster movie, but it's a monster movie with a human heart. There is a lot of action, some truly extraordinary explosions and the obligatory monster lurking mostly just off-frame, but the true center of this film lies with the young protagonist and his small group of awkwardly adolescent friends. They're making a movie (a zombie movie-- the parallels between this movie-within-a-movie and the one they are unknowingly starring in are obvious) and it's an endeavor which they never treat with anything but the utmost seriousness. They obsess and argue and trade insults that sound authentically middle-school.

Super 8 would never work without the performances by these young actors and, fortunately, they deal out it in spades. Joel Courtney plays the lead with wide, expressive eyes and shy strength. Elle Fanning is the lone girl amongst the bickering boys and she imbues her character with both luminous loveliness and surprising depth. Also great is Riley Griffiths as the intense and forceful budding filmmaker and Ryan Lee as a scene-stealing, brace-faced pyromaniac.
They are all out filming one night when they witnessâ… Expand

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10

BenjaminFJun 19, 2011

Hi Breyer,jgjgrsgt bsfd dsbf fbsd dbfd. Dfbd gdbx bfghnc nch chng hvng nghv nhgv nigh nhvg vhg. Hbv bh v vh g vg h Dth fd hg ngdf gfn dgfnf cgnvhcn hen cnv hcvnc h nvhcfn ghgfhnnhfgnghf ngh ffh gnfn ghfh gn fhgn nhgf.

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9

VancoorJun 19, 2011

Spielberg + JJ = Wonderful entertainment. This movie had laughs, scares, and some fun action. It wasn't quite highbrow entertainment, but Super 8 just oozes fun. If you are in the market for a summer movie that doesn't involve super heroesSpielberg + JJ = Wonderful entertainment. This movie had laughs, scares, and some fun action. It wasn't quite highbrow entertainment, but Super 8 just oozes fun. If you are in the market for a summer movie that doesn't involve super heroes you have no excuse for not seeing this movie.… Expand

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8

HanshotfirstJun 19, 2011

Great Movie. I saw it with my son at a midnight viewing. We both had a great time. Walked out a little past 2 in the morning and were not tired, we were too busy talking about how great the movie was and certain scenes. The kids, in theGreat Movie. I saw it with my son at a midnight viewing. We both had a great time. Walked out a little past 2 in the morning and were not tired, we were too busy talking about how great the movie was and certain scenes. The kids, in the movie, were great. They supplied lots of laughs. There was a lot of suspense. The movie kept you watching, wondering what was going to happen next. It is also a very touching movie. It turns out that it is a great Father's Day movie to watch with your son. You care about the characters and you cannot wait to see what happens next. Wait for the credits, there is something worth watching. Highly recommended!… Expand

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1

JimNukemJun 19, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was boring. Wait to rent it on a DVD. You do not see what was in the train till the end and it was not even that interesting. The character development felt like a children's soap opera. Very very silly.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

boxenford92Jun 19, 2011

I thought this movie was incredible. Easily one of the best this year. J.J Abrams does a good job of keeping the mysterious thing hidden until the end of the movie. At the end you will understand what Spielberg had to do with the film

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

thedeadpetsJun 19, 2011

Not quite sure why everyone on here has to be so cynical. No one on here is a professional film critic, so lets lose the film school jargon and keep it simple.

This is a fun movie. It has all the magic Steven Spielberg's old movies had. INot quite sure why everyone on here has to be so cynical. No one on here is a professional film critic, so lets lose the film school jargon and keep it simple.

This is a fun movie. It has all the magic Steven Spielberg's old movies had. I honestly felt like I was 10 again, watching E.T., or the Goonies. Definitely worth the ten dollars I spent to see it.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

batlantern_87Jun 19, 2011

This is one of only 3 movies that wasn't a total disaster, the other 2 being X-Men and Green Lantern. This is the most human. The child actors here do a better job than most seasoned adults. They bring a since of wonder, amazement and humorThis is one of only 3 movies that wasn't a total disaster, the other 2 being X-Men and Green Lantern. This is the most human. The child actors here do a better job than most seasoned adults. They bring a since of wonder, amazement and humor to a monster film. This movie is Goonies meets E.T. both are great films but now this will stand the test of time to show it is another classic. The adventure story is great and is visually fantastic but it is the human story of a boy who lost his mother that makes this movie worth watching. The thrills, and laughs never end, it is just fantastic.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

lovemusicJun 18, 2011

great movie. it was good. great acting. but it reminded me of e.t at the end of the movie. other than that prepared to be scared and entertained. special effects were good.

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8

Go_ArmyJun 18, 2011

Super 8 has relentlessly grabbed my attention since the release of its first trailer. JJ Abrams has a way of shrouding his films in mystery and uncertainty; Super 8 proves no exception. Super 8 is a unique film that effectively conveys aSuper 8 has relentlessly grabbed my attention since the release of its first trailer. JJ Abrams has a way of shrouding his films in mystery and uncertainty; Super 8 proves no exception. Super 8 is a unique film that effectively conveys a sentimental story while simultaneously providing the audience with suspenseful, horrific sci-fi action. The acting is great and the story is well written. I could not find any reason to complain about the film; Super 8 did not disappoint me.… Expand

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9

nonnikchiefJun 18, 2011

Minor Spoilers!

Super 8 is about a group of friends who are shooting a movie about zombies for a film festival. They call on a really cute girl to help them with a character. While shooting, they witness a train derailment. Then reallyMinor Spoilers!

Super 8 is about a group of friends who are shooting a movie about zombies for a film festival. They call on a really cute girl to help them with a character. While shooting, they witness a train derailment. Then really weird things start to happen. (I'm not doing it justice) This film is very entertaining, and there is a lot of character development going on. You really learn how this group of friends act and what their personalities are. There are a number of funny squabbles in the background, and are really entertaining. The storyline is sound, though not an award winner, but the script is very well done. This movie seems like it will give you nightmares, but if you wait ot out until the end, you'll be good. If you can't wait it out, don't watch it. I must say, you simply have to see this.… Expand

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9

cabritaJun 18, 2011

This movie is all character development. by the end of the film you are so attached to the characters you don't want the movie to end. Best summer blockbuster so far

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

Alexander_NJun 17, 2011

I was expecting much more from Super 8, primarily due to the fact that it is an Abrams and Spielberg film. Hoping that there would at least be some originality worth noting to the film, I was left fairly disappointed. A large number ofI was expecting much more from Super 8, primarily due to the fact that it is an Abrams and Spielberg film. Hoping that there would at least be some originality worth noting to the film, I was left fairly disappointed. A large number of science-fiction clichÃ©s were incorporated with what felt like little shame. The positives would have to be the loose moral message of the film and the ending, which I will not discuss. It is easy to understand what was trying to be achieved with this film, and its similarities to E.T. and The Goonies, but it just did not come through. A rather outdone concept is probably the overlying reason behind the mediocre impression I was given. This film is not particularly worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

JakeIsHollywoodJun 17, 2011

I'm not sure how a person could dislike this film...or even not fall in love with it. Not only does it allude to the sci-fi films of the 80's, it reinvents the genre! JJ Abrams is a genius. He was when he wrote the score for Michael Bay'sI'm not sure how a person could dislike this film...or even not fall in love with it. Not only does it allude to the sci-fi films of the 80's, it reinvents the genre! JJ Abrams is a genius. He was when he wrote the score for Michael Bay's ONLY good film. (Armageddon) He is now that he's writing and directing his own movies. The music, the writing, the acting, the atmosphere, the camera work, the special effects, the...I can't express how good this film is! It outshines every sci-fi movie I've seen in the past few years. It is so incredibly human that it's scary. Just when you think the film is wrapping up...it teaches you a lesson. I can't recommend it enough! It's something you and those around you can really sink into. Few movies are as memorable as Super 8.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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1

McParadigmJun 17, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Oh, man. Where do I start?

The kids were well written and excellently acted, but the adults were waaaay too stupid to even make for a reasonable backdrop. There's not a moment in the film where they aren't embarrassing themselves. The military is trying to contain the most incredible and dangerous secret in history, something that would change civilization as we know it. They have an ALIEN. So putting it on an unprotected train makes a lot of sense. And they know that the only thing this creature wants is to get these little devices that they found with it so it can go home, so natch they've opted to put the devices on the same train. This pickup shows up and runs head first into the train...and the driver is mildly wounded. Wow. But hey...good for him I guess. He only lives long enough to be lazily killed off in a later scene without ever mattering in between, but okay.

The residents of this small town are mildly interested at best (not pooping with excitement, which is what small town people do anytime ANYTHING happens) about this train crash. Suddenly, every dog disappears, thousands of devices vanish, power is fluctuating, and then PEOPLE are disappearing...but it's sort of treated as an irritant. We get incredible lines like "What about my microwaves," instead of the correct line, which is "OH NO AM I NEXT?!" Nobody seems to be really all that worried, just kind of frustrated by the inconvenience.

At this point, the army decides to step up operation "Supersecret" by pissing off local cops, driving huge convoys through town on a daily basis, letting little kids film their every move, and ultimately starting a huge fire as an excuse to relocate the entire town. Because its not like people are going to add one and one together and start asking questions (don't worry, friend, they don't!). They'll disappear anybody who knows anything at all....but having the aforementioned camera pointed at their operation for pretty much the ENTIRE TIME they're looking for the alien is not concerning. I'm assuming that they're aware enough to actually notice it. As they ransack the truck driver's house, the kids stand about 15 feet away and film them for like ten minutes before the guy in charge turns to his friend and utters the amazing line, "Do you see that?"

Oh, wow. Do I ever.

But what to expect? This is the same military that knows this creature is subterranean, and knows that it is popping up in various locations and then disappearing into thin air, but never once bothers to look for any of the multitude of gigantic craters that therefore must be (and are!) pockmarking the area, or try to locate any underground tunnels. They're also the people who angered one of their top scientists on the most secretive operation of all time and then fired him, never followed up on what he was up to, and decided it was probably okay to drive the alien right by his back door.

And at the end? They destroy an entire town because they can't stop shooting. Literally. "Our weapons are constantly misfiring! That must mean we're constantly reloading! Maybe we should reevaluate that!" Nah. Don't worry about it. You're good.

I'm really just at a loss as far as the town people go. I wanted them all to die. I laughed a lot, and mostly at them. The gas station scene was ultimate generic horror movie death shot anyway, but then the guy the next day looking at the TOTALLED building and going "Nah, this here's a bear attack," just took it to a very special place for me. And the electrician alone in the dark raising his little cubby up higher because he wants to try and glean a look at whatever just HURLED A STOVE IN HIS DIRECTION? I had to wipe a tear away. God bless his curious little heart.

These people earned death at every step. Even Sheriff Dad just sort of wandered around the second half of the film doing nada until he almost accidentally finds his son at the end. This is the same hero who figured, "Hey, buddy, your mom just died. Except for me, you're all alone in this world. I'm gonna send you away from me so I can have the summer to myself. Also, I'm gonna spit on your friends." It doesn't take a struggling and lost but redeemable father to do these things. It takes an ass.

The stoner guy turns out to be the hero in this one. He starts off stupid..."Hey, the military is all over the place, stuff is on fire big time, people have disappeared right and left, but this hot girl just said exactly three sentences to me. Of course I'll risk my butt for her brother!"...but then he gets really high and sleeps through the rest of the film. Exactly like I should have done. More the fool me, I guess.

Like I said, the kids were all outstanding. They were well written, fun characters. Their acting is top shelf there. And while they did some unbelievable things it was all sold well and it worked. It's just too bad they weren't in a better film.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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8

scrieciuJun 16, 2011

Where can I start ! There's so much positive things about this movie. I like the fact that it's a movie with kids, that's not kiddy. J.J. Abrams did a terrific job directing the film, like every scene was perfect and coherent. The kids wereWhere can I start ! There's so much positive things about this movie. I like the fact that it's a movie with kids, that's not kiddy. J.J. Abrams did a terrific job directing the film, like every scene was perfect and coherent. The kids were awesome. Sometimes they were having this funny conversation, like if they were adults. '' Super 8 '' kind of reminds me a little bit of '' Cloverfield ", because of the fact that we only see the alien at the end. The dialogue is well written. The level of suspense is exiting. You can easily get absorb into the story and trying to figure it out. There's nothing really special about this movie, it's just enjoyable.… Expand

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8

DMEJun 16, 2011

There are some plot-holes, cheesy parts, and over-dramatic scenes. But overall, Super 8 was a pretty good movie. I recommend seeing it.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

antenaJun 16, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A masterful piece of 70's nostalgia and a nice homage of Spielberg's work. I can't imagine anyone who grew up in the 70's making models and watching monster movies that wouldn't appreciate this film. The child actors are uniformly good, Giacchino's score is in itself sort of a John Williams homage, and Abrams keeps the action well-paced. A quintessential summer movie.… Expand

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0

Andy1972Jun 16, 2011

To say this was a disappointment is an understatement, the story was
boring and so was the camera work. It seems to be an ongoing theme with
US films in recent years, dumping loads of cash on effects and fancy camera work and somehow thatTo say this was a disappointment is an understatement, the story was
boring and so was the camera work. It seems to be an ongoing theme with
US films in recent years, dumping loads of cash on effects and fancy
camera work and somehow that will make up for god awful stories.

As others have stated it's basically a rip from The Gonnies which is a
far better film. I can say that the acting of the young cast was very
good and considering how bad the script it's the only plus part of the
whole film.

I think we will see the same thing happen to J.J. Abrams as we have
seen with M. Night Shyamalan, basically it seems they were lucky with
the first few projects they directed and now they are just trying to be
clever with pointless stories.

Hey you guys! Surely there must be better material out there, your
audience isn't as dumb as you might think and we expect better!… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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9

Princess_PeachJun 16, 2011

I really enjoyed this movie. I went into this film not expecting much, not very many good movies have come out recently, and this movie is great. It reminds me of the classic movies from my child hood.

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3

nesdonJun 15, 2011

Gee whiz, nostalgic romp, but the story is so messy and frustrating, with holes an alien could fly his spaceship through. Super 8? Where, Why? Nice concept wasted, with a few wonderful moments like the opening expository sequence, but aboutGee whiz, nostalgic romp, but the story is so messy and frustrating, with holes an alien could fly his spaceship through. Super 8? Where, Why? Nice concept wasted, with a few wonderful moments like the opening expository sequence, but about 30 mins in, no one seemed to care about the plot. Kinda hated it for falling so far below my expectations.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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7

andrewsky124Jun 15, 2011

In order to really get a feel for and appreciate Super 8, you truly have to suspend your disbelief and put yourself in the shoes of the kids. It reminded me in a way of E.T., or at least I felt the same way after seeing both films. I would'veIn order to really get a feel for and appreciate Super 8, you truly have to suspend your disbelief and put yourself in the shoes of the kids. It reminded me in a way of E.T., or at least I felt the same way after seeing both films. I would've liked to see the whole idea of filming the train crash played out more throughout the movie, but I'm glad that I got what I paid for. Definitely a great movie to see this summer.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

garethvkJun 15, 2011

Writer/Director/Producer JJ Abramas is one of film and televisions hottest talents. With credits that include Lost, Fringe, Alias, â

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3

WolfmanateeJun 15, 2011

Super 8, at its core, is Cloverfield starring kids. The editing, acting, and special effects are top notch; but they all become exaggerated and unreasonable as the movie progresses. Near the conclusion, we see copy-pasting editing trying toSuper 8, at its core, is Cloverfield starring kids. The editing, acting, and special effects are top notch; but they all become exaggerated and unreasonable as the movie progresses. Near the conclusion, we see copy-pasting editing trying to tie it all together amidst heavy, labored classical music with completely unnecessary and over-the-top explosions. What starts with a resounding BANG! ends with a neutered whisper.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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10

briggsayJun 14, 2011

"Yikes. This movie's kind of a mess. I was looking forward to it, and halfway through started to wonder why I was bored. There's very little actual suspense. Just a few loud scares. I appreciated the casting of the kids (particularly"Yikes. This movie's kind of a mess. I was looking forward to it, and halfway through started to wonder why I was bored. There's very little actual suspense. Just a few loud scares. I appreciated the casting of the kids (particularly braces-firecrackers kid), and their early bantering scenes felt real. El Fanning's face will melt your adolescent heart. Certain moments gave me small chills, but mostly just hinted at the more fully realized movie that this could have been. Kyle Chandler is wasted on an underdeveloped father figure. The beautifully-shot final moment involving the locket would have been more resonant if the story / characters had actually built towards it - as in the the father/son actually learn to understand each other and come to terms with the mother's passing. Instead, Chandler's character just says "I got you!" at the end, semi-randomly. The only other Abrams vehicle I've seen was Star Trek two summers ago - and that was smart, slick, breezy fun compared to this. I just can't fathom that Spielberg was standing around on set or watching an early cut thinking, "Oh yeah. This is great. It's all working." P.S. - only laugh line: "I could get back into disco.""… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

NathanRJun 14, 2011

This movie could have been so much more. It had the feeling of an old Spielberg summer flick. It had good characters and at least some character development. It had child actors that didn't make me cringe every time they spoke. It had halfwayThis movie could have been so much more. It had the feeling of an old Spielberg summer flick. It had good characters and at least some character development. It had child actors that didn't make me cringe every time they spoke. It had halfway decent dialogue and reasonably good acting. It was the Spielberg-type feeling that kept coming back. It really does feel like it was plucked straight out of the era when Spielberg was in his prime. Except for one major detail: the antagonist. The alien/monster was a real let down and left me wondering what exactly was the point of this character? The scenes featuring the alien are by far the weakest of the film. Nearly everything else is pure gold, as far as summer popcorn flicks go.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

MoviebuffreviewJun 14, 2011

Super 8 was visually stunning, well acted, and a lot of fun as well as well written for the first hour and 35 minutes or so. However, the ending was disappointing and cliche. The ending really brought down the score of the movie for me, butSuper 8 was visually stunning, well acted, and a lot of fun as well as well written for the first hour and 35 minutes or so. However, the ending was disappointing and cliche. The ending really brought down the score of the movie for me, but nonetheless, it is still a summer movie worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

CavyAmadorJun 14, 2011

As I was making my way out from the theater, I overheard a friend giving his opinion on this movie which described it precisely, â

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10

xanderveeJun 13, 2011

Like many people, I walked into the theater not really knowing what to expect, except I knew it would have something to do with an epic train crash. Well, let's just say the train crash wasn't the only epic thing in the movie. The youngLike many people, I walked into the theater not really knowing what to expect, except I knew it would have something to do with an epic train crash. Well, let's just say the train crash wasn't the only epic thing in the movie. The young actors did a splendid job, the story is exciting, and there's never a dull moment. I don't know why people say this movie reminds them of E.T; I don't recall any devouring of human flesh in that movie. It reminded me of a mix between Stand by Me and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Here's a tip: be sure to sit through the credits.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

manwe7Jun 13, 2011

OK I was all hyped up to go see this only to be let down. It was slow from the beginning than the train wreck. This movie reminded me of E.T. with the ending and all. Not to original. A lot of cursing by the kids which in my opinion wasOK I was all hyped up to go see this only to be let down. It was slow from the beginning than the train wreck. This movie reminded me of E.T. with the ending and all. Not to original. A lot of cursing by the kids which in my opinion was unnecessary. I thought the X-Men movie was waaaay better. Not very original. Don't was your money on this one, wait for it on DVD. I have no idea what the critics were talking about.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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2

RedxLeaderJun 13, 2011

Super 8 is simply bad. Despite reading what official reviewers said, I found myself cringing as the kids delivered awkward unconvincing dialog, and that's not even mentioning the rest of the cast. If Super 8 were a drinking game and the onlySuper 8 is simply bad. Despite reading what official reviewers said, I found myself cringing as the kids delivered awkward unconvincing dialog, and that's not even mentioning the rest of the cast. If Super 8 were a drinking game and the only rule was to take a shot every time someone said something nobody would ever say in real life in all seriousness, you'd be drunk before the first scene was over. The story has no redeeming qualities. It has all been done before, and done better. Maybe if the story spent more time developing the characters instead of rushing from scene to scene to keep the ADD crowd from getting bored I might have cared a little when people started dying or going missing.… Expand

4 of 14 users found this helpful410

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2

HellionJun 13, 2011

Underwhelming just like everyone else who has any sense or passion for films. Why I keep buying into the trailers it another issue. First off the characters are not really very engaging and like some others users have said the monster has noUnderwhelming just like everyone else who has any sense or passion for films. Why I keep buying into the trailers it another issue. First off the characters are not really very engaging and like some others users have said the monster has no purpose really through the whole thing. I can see how they were trying to capture that magic of the 80s..like ET, Close encounters, etc..but just fails to do so. CGI runs abundant in this and turns into a sort of B film with a loose plot. Sure some of the scenes of CGI were spectacular..like the train explosion and the aliens ship but was it worth the ten dollar admission (at night)? no way..best to rent or avoid. 2 for effort for some great CGI effects..otherwise another run of the mill film. Best to wait for the next Batman flick.… Expand

7 of 24 users found this helpful717

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5

TVJerryJun 13, 2011

This creative coalition between J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg feels like several movies we've seen before. A group of kids is making their own movie (be sure to stay thru the credits to see the result) and they happen to witness the escapeThis creative coalition between J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg feels like several movies we've seen before. A group of kids is making their own movie (be sure to stay thru the credits to see the result) and they happen to witness the escape ofâ… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

Bama72Jun 13, 2011

This is a sweet, entertaining, enjoyable movie. Plenty of action but also a good story line and enough development of the characters to make you interested in them. The young actors did a great job, and so did the adult actors. There wereThis is a sweet, entertaining, enjoyable movie. Plenty of action but also a good story line and enough development of the characters to make you interested in them. The young actors did a great job, and so did the adult actors. There were a couple of glitches that I caught in the action sequences but nothing that looked sloppy and ruined the movie. All in all, very good.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

Khunter4382Jun 13, 2011

A good film in a sort of Goonie-esque, E.T sort of way. I had very large expectations for this film, but was ultimately, slightly disappointed. While I greatly enjoyed it, I found the first 3/4 of the film to be very slow, though much creditA good film in a sort of Goonie-esque, E.T sort of way. I had very large expectations for this film, but was ultimately, slightly disappointed. While I greatly enjoyed it, I found the first 3/4 of the film to be very slow, though much credit is due for character development. I wasn't blown away.....and quite frankly, I expected to be. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised of how touching this film can be and how original those moments are.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

Tazmania32Jun 12, 2011

This movie was certainly entertaining. The cast was the main ingredient in keeping it together. The revealing of the mysterious factors of the movie really ruined it for me though. Overall, it was a great movie nonetheless.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

KarthXLRJun 12, 2011

Super 8 is jam-packed with dazzling visual effects, good acting, great sets, and many throwbacks to Speilberg's earlier films. That said, Super 8 isn't perfect and has a few problems I didn't manage to overlook. Any person in film or theaterSuper 8 is jam-packed with dazzling visual effects, good acting, great sets, and many throwbacks to Speilberg's earlier films. That said, Super 8 isn't perfect and has a few problems I didn't manage to overlook. Any person in film or theater knows that tone is one of the most important parts to any production, but Super 8 seems unsure of itself and keeps changing the tone from horror to magical. Moving on, Super 8 is entertaining, and that's the most important part of this review. It's the first good film of the summer and one of the first summer blockbusters I've liked in years.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

GMUJun 12, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film looked like one to look forward to for 2011, being one of very few superbowl ads that was actually exciting to watch. But like his previous film, Star Trek (2009) it failed to live up to personal hype. (I know it was a teaser trailer, but how could you not be pumped?; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR6ALzHQA2k&hd=1) Super 8 was pleasing until it became more and more involved with the disappointing monster creature that had the predictable conflict of wanting to go home and not being able to due to captivity by humans (free willzyx). The ending was very predictable and it was unfortunate to see such a good setup for a movie go to waste. The setup meaning the characters (aside from Alice's father) and everything up until seeing the monster and later being acquainted with him. The best parts of this movie was the short film shown at the end, and for some reason I can't shake elle's zombie scene out of my head. It brings out my inner child like most of this movie (but more so especially in this scene and in the kids zombie film shown during the credits) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqn3iXUUOz4)… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

TriReevalJun 12, 2011

The kids are exactly that- kids. They don't try to be more than they are, and they don't come off as too immature to understand what's going on around them. Abrams and Spielberg did a great job here. There are several genuine shocks in theThe kids are exactly that- kids. They don't try to be more than they are, and they don't come off as too immature to understand what's going on around them. Abrams and Spielberg did a great job here. There are several genuine shocks in the film, balanced perfectly with the typical wit/passive-aggressive taunting kids thrust at each other. Charming, well-acted. A fantastic little movie.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

JasonGoalieJun 12, 2011

This is a really excellent film that challenges the true worth of Star-Power acting... You don't need Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman... just get yourself some lesser known talent with good acting skill, and surround it with a great story andThis is a really excellent film that challenges the true worth of Star-Power acting... You don't need Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman... just get yourself some lesser known talent with good acting skill, and surround it with a great story and dialogue. I think the real key to making a great movie intended to thrill is doing as LITTLE explaining as possible. Moviegoers are smart (well, I am), and don't need to have every little detail explained to them. Movies that do this take you totally out of the moment, and often commit cinematic suicide because of it. Super 8 does an excellent job of letting the characters and the story do the explaining, while keeping the hints and revelations at a clever minimum. It keeps the movie exciting and emotionally gripping at the same time.

Also, I don't know how Spielberg and Abrams find these kids, but they're all GREAT. They make the movie indeed. Also, a credit to the film editors on this one, whom often get overlooked, but undoubtedly contribute to this film's exceptional timing and structure.

Like many, I wasn't partictularly interested in the film when I first saw the previews, but I'm glad I went and saw it. You will too.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

MozzerRocksJun 12, 2011

Super 8 is exactly what you would want in a summer sci-fi action film. The casting and acting is top notch and the special effects are unbelievable! Without spoiling anything I will tell you that the plot is rich with many twists and turnsSuper 8 is exactly what you would want in a summer sci-fi action film. The casting and acting is top notch and the special effects are unbelievable! Without spoiling anything I will tell you that the plot is rich with many twists and turns while following a very believable yet fantastic story line. The early 80's were recreated so well in the towns and homes of a small Ohio town. You really start to believe in the recreation of the time period which pulls you further into the story. Great story, acting, casting and special effects. What more could we ask for? This is what this movie genre has been been missing for some time now. GO SEE IT!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

namelessJun 12, 2011

If you haven't seen Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or any CG monster movie you will like this movie. If you have seen any of those you will know it is a 2nd rate retread of those movies; down it the characters, the editing, theIf you haven't seen Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or any CG monster movie you will like this movie. If you have seen any of those you will know it is a 2nd rate retread of those movies; down it the characters, the editing, the lighting. What is so surprizing is that there is so little original in this movie. It was almost as if they needed another product to get out the door until the real movie they want to do is ready for production. There were times I seriously considered getting up and walking out because it became just too slow, draggy, and predictable.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

RicshawJun 12, 2011

I cant believe that people are giving this a zero. 5 out of 10 is a fail grade. to get a zero, it would have to have not even been released. It wasn't perfect, but it was entertaining and told the story it advertised. B-. MetacriticI cant believe that people are giving this a zero. 5 out of 10 is a fail grade. to get a zero, it would have to have not even been released. It wasn't perfect, but it was entertaining and told the story it advertised. B-. Metacritic REALLY needs to change its grading system to include a half point system and exclude the bottom and top 10% in the average for reviews to be balanced.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

JNRJun 12, 2011

I had high expectations for this film, and while they were not completely met, I enjoyed the movie immensely. This is a movie that I am still thinking about the next day, which is an internal litmus test for me about the quality of a film.I had high expectations for this film, and while they were not completely met, I enjoyed the movie immensely. This is a movie that I am still thinking about the next day, which is an internal litmus test for me about the quality of a film. While the mix of styles (Spielberg and Abrams) is a bit clunky, and the script could have been a little less corny at times, this film is LIGHT YEARS beyond any other special effects laden film (not named Spider Man) over the past decade in terms of character development and acting. The fact that it felt short of ET for me should not dissuade people, as it gets a hell of a lot closer than anything else I have seen in this territory. Do you need to see it in a theatre? No, but I am glad I did. I hope that this gets enough support to warrant future projects that have real characters and dialogue in a sci-fi film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

amnesiac85Jun 12, 2011

Great homage to the kids-centric Spielberg films of the late 70s/80s. It's like Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET, and Gremlins all rolled into one great movie. The focus here is on the characters reactions to supernaturalGreat homage to the kids-centric Spielberg films of the late 70s/80s. It's like Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET, and Gremlins all rolled into one great movie. The focus here is on the characters reactions to supernatural mysteries that are going on in their town. The latter half of the film is very reminiscent of the end of ET. Overall, I would highly recommend a view to anyone familiar with those other films I mentioned: it was definitely be a nostalgia trip.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

Knicksfan7Jun 12, 2011

This film was almost picture perfect in my opinion. The acting was veryyyyy good throughout the entire movie, especially by newcomer Joel Courtney who plays a boy named Joe Lamb who tries to get over the trauma of losing his mom and repairThis film was almost picture perfect in my opinion. The acting was veryyyyy good throughout the entire movie, especially by newcomer Joel Courtney who plays a boy named Joe Lamb who tries to get over the trauma of losing his mom and repair the relationship with his father. Taking us through an alien attack and mass destruction of the town along the way. It was pretty much like E.T. but a more adult like version. Their was comedy, their was drama, and their was action, its had all three, and it did all three very well. My only compaint about this film is the train crash. No way in hell would a pickup truck cause that much damage to a train. At the speed the train was going it would slice right through the truck like a knife with butter, and the guy driving the pickup truck, he survived? How is that possible at all, even in science fiction/ fantasy, its just not possible. Thats the only reason I gave it a 9 and not a 10. Other than the high unrealism of the train crash, this movie was amazing, great acting, amazing action, and overall super 8 is a superb film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

bostonjimmieJun 12, 2011

Excellent . It seems that those that are givign it bad reviews may not have left the theatre before the credits were done. The whole story comes together in the end. I say no more.....

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

MovieGeniusJun 12, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst alien movie since...Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? War of the Worlds? Was JJ Abrams working on the script while simultaneously watching Goonies and Jaws? This was NOT an homage/tribute/reference to Spielberg. This was paint by numbers without any original ideas. ET had kids trying to save an alien? This should too! Jaws had a sheriff/father trying to save the town? This should too! Steven and JJ both roped their friends into making films as kids? Guess what? This should too. Unfortunately the only thing about this movie that makes sense is WHY they made it: $$$. And I fell for it again. Sigh. Never again, Steven and JJ.… Expand

8 of 21 users found this helpful813

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5

chirobenJun 12, 2011

What a strange movie to review. It was really two movies in one. The first was a fantastic Stand By Me-esque kids bonding adventure. The second was an appalling and brain melting action movie a-la Transformers 2. The two were completelyWhat a strange movie to review. It was really two movies in one. The first was a fantastic Stand By Me-esque kids bonding adventure. The second was an appalling and brain melting action movie a-la Transformers 2. The two were completely incongruous with the second completely destroying the first. The first half of the movie would be a solid 8-9 out of ten with some great acting by the kids and a really absorbing story to boot. The film, like the train within it, became so totally derailed by about the midway point that it undid all of it's previous groundwork.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

BinxalotJun 11, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the last Spielberg movie I will go to see based on his name alone, last one before this was Indiana Jones 4 which was a total disaster. This movie starts out promising but then falls apart completely by the end. The main problem with the movie is that the monster has no purpose what-so-ever in the story and the film would have been great if it was just about the father son trying to find peace after the death of the mother in addition to the son coming of age with the girl and his friends by shooting a super 8 movie. That part of the movie is good, then the monster appears and not only destroys half of the town, but it goes one step further and destroys the film too. The monster is just stupid; it's not interesting and there's really nothing in the storyline of the monster that hasn't been done before. It's basically bits and pieces of other - better - movies that have already been released. The movie falls apart because for almost 3/4 of the film the monster is just background noise between the scene of the boy and girl, and his friends, all of which are interesting. Then at the end of the film these stories are abandoned completely and the monster's story - which sucks - is wrapped up in to a cgi blastoff which ends the film.

Let's recap:

Father and Son grieving after loss of the mother, the father is distant from his son. Climax: Father and Son hug at the end of the film. No talking about all of the previous stuff, just a hug.

Son & Girl(friend) awkward relationship that blossoms in to...
Climax: nothing...

Monster & Military - The monster is captured, tortured and then escapes but not after killing innocent people and then being helped to escape by the kids who are scared to death of it the entire film, but then suddenly decide to help it. Which escapes in a space ship which it builds out of regular everyday items from 1979 which some how selectively magnetize themselves to the watertower (never explained, it sounds ridiculous writing this out) and then can summons thousands of minature cubs in to a ship which just suddenly appears for no reason. There is never an explanation as to how the monster suddently fixes his ship at the end. T

Super 8 Movie - The kids are shooting this zombie film the entire god damn movie and it just becomes irrelevant at the end. You would think they would at least play the final cut during the credits or something, but no... nothing.

Group of friends: The entire movie the son is running around with his four friends but at the end each ot these friends gets cut from the ending, there is no closure on any of their stories.… Expand

25 of 46 users found this helpful2521

All this user's reviews

6

HeaviermetalJun 11, 2011

It was very underwhelming. The story about the kids filming a zombie movie was more interesting than the main plot. The main plot felt out of place and just overly generic. Oh well.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

2hip2beahipsterJun 11, 2011

I love the pretentious punks who say this movie is trying to be like E.T. Similarities? Yes, I think the themes are similar, but this movie has it's own things about it that make it unique and completely different than everything else that isI love the pretentious punks who say this movie is trying to be like E.T. Similarities? Yes, I think the themes are similar, but this movie has it's own things about it that make it unique and completely different than everything else that is being made right now. It was very well written, shot, and directed. J.J. Abrams did a great job here. The casting was great, each child actor was charming in their own way. Yeah, it can appeal to a younger audience, but it also appeals to the older ones as well. Makes them reminisce their childhood. Not from the aspect of aliens and such, but the imagination that they once had as a child, and how things felt so simple. How they coped with a loss of a family member, or anything important to them. This movie is a metaphor and should be looked at that way. Although, if you don't feel like thinking, sit back, enjoy the story and the CGI. A great movie and definitely going to be a top 10 for summer movies this year.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

FrozenStar90Jun 11, 2011

A monster movie that focuses more on character development than hammering the audience with visual spectacle. J.J. Abrams has taken great care into building a teen angst story that you can empathize with. Yes, it's a tribute to the SpielbergA monster movie that focuses more on character development than hammering the audience with visual spectacle. J.J. Abrams has taken great care into building a teen angst story that you can empathize with. Yes, it's a tribute to the Spielberg films of old, but it works on its own as an engaging and heartwarming tale of forgiveness. It's an imaginative tale that will delight your inner child.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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6

FennltJun 11, 2011

Super 8 was indeed a good movie, however, I do not feel it deserved the 72 assigned by critics. The movie did not necessarily present any new material, but simply old concepts and ideas we've seen implemented in other movies rehashed intoSuper 8 was indeed a good movie, however, I do not feel it deserved the 72 assigned by critics. The movie did not necessarily present any new material, but simply old concepts and ideas we've seen implemented in other movies rehashed into this feature. Furthermore, I feel the movie dwelled too much on the "movie-making" encapsulated plot of the film which did not necessarily add any deeper meaning or understanding to the movie as a whole. In short, I feel that Super 8 lacked a certain amount of new ideas, direction, and meaning for a movie with such an esteemed score. Personally, I rate this movie a 58/100… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

AlexArvin21Jun 11, 2011

Sci-fi Alien flicks never really went out of style. But the grew into more of an action( End of the world) type genre. What super 8 does is steer away from that. Its an all around great film, the acting is on point, the FX are some of theSci-fi Alien flicks never really went out of style. But the grew into more of an action( End of the world) type genre. What super 8 does is steer away from that. Its an all around great film, the acting is on point, the FX are some of the best I've seen, the music etc.. Abrams took a big risk making the kids lead roles for a film like this. But the risk pulls off, the kids are super talented and make you feel like you're watching a new modern day version of E.T. Bottom line if you can only watch one movie this summer, make it this.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

10

AviAsh123Jun 11, 2011

I went to see super 8 on it's release, and I have been waiting for this movie for months. May I say super 8 was worth the wait. It was the best movie I ever seen in years. I can't wait to see it again

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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9

FundamenskiJun 11, 2011

Super 8 derails all the infantile movie-making of explosion artists and delivers a nostalgic return to the subtleties of cinema.

In retrospect, itâ

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

10

Just_A_GuyJun 11, 2011

Original. Superb acting (and yes, they're just kids!) - but this adult has nothing but admiration for the casting, pacing, direction, and whatever else goes with film making - yes, "super 8"! I'm not sure why some are trying to compare thisOriginal. Superb acting (and yes, they're just kids!) - but this adult has nothing but admiration for the casting, pacing, direction, and whatever else goes with film making - yes, "super 8"! I'm not sure why some are trying to compare this with "ET"? This adult (ok old man), thinks this is more along the lines of "Goonies" - yes, that other classic, sprinkled with more thrill/suspense. Excellent mix of action and comedy - never cheesy nor "forced" - something most more "mature" films should learn how to do - I think we've all suffered through one or two lines in some movie that just try "too hard".

Unsure what the "kid meter" for this film is. It should be great for the entire family - but again, this is not "ET" - it has more suspense and action in it and the underlying theme isn't as "wholesome".… Expand

11 of 15 users found this helpful114

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9

FC1Jun 11, 2011

A reviewer write "we want something wonderful, entertaining, fun, original, and skillful", but doesn't feel this movie provides any of these. My guess is that this movie will get its share of naysayers with similar misgivings and feelings ofA reviewer write "we want something wonderful, entertaining, fun, original, and skillful", but doesn't feel this movie provides any of these. My guess is that this movie will get its share of naysayers with similar misgivings and feelings of this movie, but I also think that perhaps these moviegoers may already have been predisposed to begin making comparisons and analogies before they walked in to view the movie. Yes, Super 8 has elements seen in Spielberg movies and some of what you expect from Abrams. Surprise! They collaborated it. I'm glad that Super 8 advertising showed only "so much" because it helped to keep the "mystery", that I think drew many people in. The audience with which I saw Super 8 very clearly liked the movie; so did I. Why? In some part because of remembrances of movies past; but primarily because the acting was surprisingly (at least for me) much better than expected (I could literally feel the audience sucked in with the boys at Elle Fanning's rehearsal at the train station). there were plenty of unknowns to keep you guessing until they were slowly revealed (not always as expected), there was a warmth and caring for the characters that's not often seen in major action movies, and finally the resolution of the story was satisfying (which is often not the case when you find out it's a dream or the unknown entity or dilemma is a dog that's grown to 100 times its size). Yes there were elements seen in other movies, but they fit within the genre and have a reason for being there. Often, its not the introduction of something never seen that makes art original, it's the combination of its elements that does so. I think this movie will stay with us and be enjoyed as much as other productions by Spielberg and Abrams; maybe more. Loved the very end, BTW.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

BullDoggerJun 11, 2011

150 Characters???
Ok!
Super 8 is a blast of a film! Imagine a combination of all the best ingredients that you love and them put them in a blender. Mix it up and you will have Super 8! It is clever, imaginative, loving, very well acted and150 Characters???
Ok!
Super 8 is a blast of a film!
Imagine a combination of all the best ingredients that you love and them put them in a blender. Mix it up and you will have Super 8!
It is clever, imaginative, loving, very well acted and the most important, it os an intelligent movie. It doesn't give you all the answers, you need to think a little bit.
But must of all, the movie make you feel like a kid again. For 2 hours you believe that you are in a more nicer world! This movies has a heart!!!
Best movie of the year!!!… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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10

JasonDomJun 11, 2011

Awesome!

Best movie of the year!!!

Truly a heart pounded sci-fi coming of age adventure!
Why they don't make more movies like this???

Must SEE!!!!

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

All this user's reviews

10

filmtrashreviewJun 11, 2011

Check out my video review here: http://youtu.be/Yrt82fDRCA0 With dazzling special effects and set design this is more then just a monster flick. It is the greatest monster flick ever! A picture perfect period piece and not too much alien thisCheck out my video review here: http://youtu.be/Yrt82fDRCA0 With dazzling special effects and set design this is more then just a monster flick. It is the greatest monster flick ever! A picture perfect period piece and not too much alien this film will satisfy any audience member who watches it. It's and better, more advanced, twenty-first century telling of E.T. (With a little more fright and a little less family fun)… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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7

relmJun 10, 2011

Closer to "Goonies" than to "E.T.". I enjoyed this movie but in watching it, even though there is a sense of wonder and nostalgia that is generally missing in movies these days, you realize quickly how rare a talent Steven Spielberg is.Closer to "Goonies" than to "E.T.". I enjoyed this movie but in watching it, even though there is a sense of wonder and nostalgia that is generally missing in movies these days, you realize quickly how rare a talent Steven Spielberg is. Here is what Spielberg did right and some of what is lacking in "Super 8". First, the villain is not flushed out. In E.T., the villain really isn't a villain except in the eyes of the protagonists. "Keys" as he is known in E.T. believed what he was doing was for the greater good. He longed for an experience like Elliot. Unfortunately, he failed to see what the children saw all along, that E.T. was a living being with his own needs and desires. In "Super 8", the villainous Nelec was completely two dimensional and malevolent. The story would have been stronger had the motives been clear for his behavior and especially if his judgment was complex â… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

DarkCriticJun 10, 2011

Super 8 was very awesome and one of the best summer blockbuster films of the year. Spielberg and Abrams work very perspective in th way that Steven Spielberg made other films that connect into alien invasion and the atmosphere of everySuper 8 was very awesome and one of the best summer blockbuster films of the year. Spielberg and Abrams work very perspective in th way that Steven Spielberg made other films that connect into alien invasion and the atmosphere of every terrestrial scenery at the same time. It has great acting, great scenes, great explosions, great chills, great people, great thrills, great music, and great cinematography. That's what we expected to see that some other movies take time that it gets too overrated too much, but I can honestly say that for me was fantastic that it doesn't get too boredem to watch and happy to see it again. Well done for JJ Abram's film that brings a good idea and thanks to Spielberg to bring back some memories that we've seen his films that gets too exciting.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

0

MontySaintCroixJun 10, 2011

Just really underwhelming from start to finish. Tried too hard to be this generation's ET which was not the way it was marketed. The alien design was lame and the CGI poor. 1/2 ET + 1/2 middle school romance = Super 8.

9 of 28 users found this helpful919

All this user's reviews

10

ZacharyMatsonJun 10, 2011

This film has more heart than any film could ever wish for. J.J. Abrams has proved yet again why he is the next Spielberg. You won't see another movie like this in a very long time, a film like this with a story so well structured should beThis film has more heart than any film could ever wish for. J.J. Abrams has proved yet again why he is the next Spielberg. You won't see another movie like this in a very long time, a film like this with a story so well structured should be praised forever.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

All this user's reviews

9

revanvssoraJun 10, 2011

I loved Cloverfield. I went into this movie expecting about the same thing. I was surprised. This movie is quite a bit different than Cloverfiled. It has an emotional story and more themes than Cloverfield. This movie had the perfect mix ofI loved Cloverfield. I went into this movie expecting about the same thing. I was surprised. This movie is quite a bit different than Cloverfiled. It has an emotional story and more themes than Cloverfield. This movie had the perfect mix of monster action/suspense and emotion. This movie has great action sequences and CGI. The monster is more of a character this time around with a bit of humanity and emotion and back story. I thought this movie was great.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

4

rlp2451Jun 10, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cloverfield meets ET meets Friday Night Lights. Not a big disappointment, but also formulaic (lots of teasers re: actually seeing the "monster.") Most of the kids did a good job, but Elle Fanning is badly miscast.

And I want the lipstick franchise.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

All this user's reviews

8

colten97Jun 10, 2011

It may evoke memories of classic summer blockbusters a little too eagerly for some, but Super 8 has thrills, visual dazzle, and emotional depth to spare.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

9

CooperjctJun 10, 2011

This movie is great. From the storyline to the special effects its really one of the best. Its a non-stop thrill ride that never slows down, but is never too hectic.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

4

normalpsychologJun 10, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am going to try and be concise and keep it short. This movie hurt my life, my relationship, my wallet, and my brain.

Let's start by analyzing why it hurt my life. When we live, we want pleasure. Sexual, psychological, culinary, we simply want things that fulfill our needs and hopefully give us a little of what we want as well. As far as movies go, we want something wonderful, entertaining, fun, original, and skillful. Without those five things, I can't imagine someone enjoying a movie. This movie gave us none of those things. It was two hours of low-level suspense with children acting scared, excited, and adventurous. This movie was constantly loud, muddling any chance of becoming engrossed in its story or characters.

What was so endearing about the characters? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There is no development at all. One has a mother who died, wow, now we care about him! One has braces and likes fireworks, what an interesting character! One's a fat director, oh wow, that's truly something special! Nothing about the cast works. It's one thing to pay homage to someone (in this case, Steven Spielberg), but it's another to just mish-mash everything you've seen together into one movie and hope for the best.

How did the movie hurt my relationship? It put me in a bad mood. After two hours of watching mind-numbing acting and a horrible story about a murderous alien who kills off people while building his spaceship, I was drained and unable to relate the way I normally do with my girlfriend. Rarely does a movie suck the life out of me like this. This alone should indicate that this film is trash, life-sucking trash.

How did it hurt my wallet? Movies never make me think about the ten dollars I just spent on them. Even if it's just a fun comedy like The Hangover 2, I don't mind shelling out hard-earned money to see it. This movie made me remember that I had used money for it. That and the gas to go see it (easily two dollars worth of gas). What movie makes someone remember that money was taken from them? This one.

Now, the most beautiful part, how the movie hurt my mind. At the end of the movie, roughly five people started clapping. I believe three of them were over-weight, Hispanic women, and the others I couldn't locate in the theater. I was thoroughly confused, beyond any confusion I've ever felt in my life before. I'm twenty-eight and I've seen a lot of things, this clapping phenomenon was one of the more bizarre. Why were they clapping? This wasn't sarcastic clapping, either, that I would've detected immediately and joined in on. This was genuine, "this movie was extremely good" clapping. What on Earth? Were they happy the alien had finally escaped Earth? Why were they happy for this alien who had killed several human beings? Were they happy for the town who now was free of a deadly alien who kept stealing their car engines and making their dogs run away from home? My god, why were they happy? People who watch "Lost" are possibly so enamored with the TV show that they force themselves to love this movie. Or maybe people who love Star Wars are so enamored with it that they force themselves to love this movie. I don't know what it is or what it was, but as an objective human being, this movie was trash. I suppose my biggest mistake was seeing the film at all -- especially having the ability to read about it beforehand, which I didn't. The movie must be more geared towards the 10-to-15-year-old crowd. Being over the age of 18 will not help you enjoy this film, I'll warn you now. Stay as far away from this film as possible, it can only hurt you.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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8

john_galactusJun 10, 2011

Just watched the movie in Digital-2D. First of all, I would like to say, I'm a big fan of J.J. Abrams' work having watched "Alias", "Lost" and "Fringe", and watched his directorial movie debut "Mission Impossible III" and then the epic "StarJust watched the movie in Digital-2D. First of all, I would like to say, I'm a big fan of J.J. Abrams' work having watched "Alias", "Lost" and "Fringe", and watched his directorial movie debut "Mission Impossible III" and then the epic "Star Trek". "Star Trek" is one of the best movies I've seen and it absolutely catered for all movie go-ers, Trekkie or not. When his next film was announced, I was super excited. "Super 8" is my most anticipated movie of 2011 with "Hp 7 Pt 2" and "T3:DOTM" behind. I was going to watch this movie no matter the ratings, then again I knew it couldn't possibly have a low rating. When RT had it above 80%, I knew instantly the movie worked (I was actually really hoping for a good reception). I heard that the movie got its first rotten review after 13 reviews while "Star Trek" after a staggering 49 reviews. What's not to like about a mysterious movie that no one knows much about except the "discovery of something inhuman". The build up with the epic teaser trailer and then the full length trailer just made the wait all more worth it. Since the trailer was in my opinion brilliant, the movie may not turn out the same. Not the case here. I admit I'm bit of a extraterrestrial fan craving for the "next big alien movie" - the last one I watched was *pukes* "Battle: *pukes some more* LA". Nevermine that so-called movie. It was utter... disgrace. The plot in "Super 8" is indeed all its hyped up to be. Without revealing too much, let's just say it has plenty of references to Steven Spielberg's works most notably "E.T" (kids on cycles), "Jurassic Park" (roar from the distance) and many more including "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" which I have not much memory of since I watched it when I was a kid. I only remember the alien's skinny neck and arms reaching out and the sound/music of the UFO shattering windows. Oh, and you can thrown in "War of the Worlds" too. In others words, J.J. Abrams has written some of Spielberg's most iconic alien flicks into this movie, and made it his own. I'm not saying he tried to bring back those moments, but that is what these scenes will undoubtedly invoke. As for the actors, you got Elle Fanning, Joul Courtney and Kyle Chandler. All three were brilliant thought I did feel Kyle Chandler who plays Jackson Lamb trying too hard with his role. Most surprising and worthy to be pointed out is Elle Fanning - only the second movie I've seen her (first being "Benjamin Button") and what a surprise. She did really well, and clearly knew her acting chops for the actual-movie itself and in the little film project they did. I definitely felt the 'loss connection' between Joe and his father, and Alice and her father. There were some genuine emotional moments though they were very little. Kudos to the kid who played the zombie too... I don't know whether to love the ending or not, but I felt a few more revisions to the writing could have made it much more memorable. I will not call it half-baked or average at best, but rather a "nice conclusive ending". Unlike "Cloverfield" where the monster, still lived and you still were guessing at the end of it. So is this movie worth watching? Well, it's definitely a must-watch, BUT and I have to admit, not the epic quality that is J.J's previous work "Star Trek". It still is great and a helluva lot of fun to watch. Very entertaining from start-to-finish. Yet again, this movie caters to all types of movie go-ers, whether you're into sci-fi or not. It does not have the ambiguity/grey areas of "Cloverfield", in fact it seems to have looked at "Cloverfield" as an 'issue' and resolved it with "Super 8". Nicely done. -dfltnm365… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

NoneOfYourBeesJun 10, 2011

Saw this on Thursday, one day before the official opening, which was announced on Twitter (I found out via IGN.com. I suppose Spielberg and Abrams are testing word-of-mouth, by releasing the IMAX version one day.

I thought it was good, notSaw this on Thursday, one day before the official opening, which was announced on Twitter (I found out via IGN.com. I suppose Spielberg and Abrams are testing word-of-mouth, by releasing the IMAX version one day.

I thought it was good, not mind-blowing. I realize this is a coming-of-age film and, as an adult, a kid watching this would probably feel this is his or her generational movie, in the same way that I identify with Stand By Me. That's what this movie is: Stand By Me with an alien, or Stand By Me meets E.T. meets Jaws meets Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. In the same way that Bryan Singer made Superman Returns as a love letter to Richard Donnar's Superman, Abrams crafts his own letter to Spielberg, celebrating his early works such as the ones I referenced above. Is that a good thing? In this case, Abrams did a good job, unlike Singer (Brandon Routh should've had a chance to be in his own Superman universe, not Richard Donnar's). Did he do a great job? Again, when I watch this movie, it reminds me of my experiences as a child. But a child watching this will be having those experiences now, making it more visceral. However, this movie does have curses in it, so please be advised if you plan on taking the family. Don't go into this movie thinking it's exactly a new E.T. for this generation, like some have been saying, in terms of the language. I have no problem with the language; I'm just saying be weary if you take a child.

I would see it again, which indicates it was a good film. Classic? Now now, but it will be in the future, in the same way that others look at American Graffiti, The Diner, Stand By Me, The Outsiders, My Girl, basically any Coming-Of-Age film about a bunch of kids who grow up quickly, tackling and conquering mature issues while the adults take the backseat.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

MRedzuanJun 10, 2011

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 ISuper 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

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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0

BartJun 10, 2011

What a pile of crud. Worst sci-fi movie I have seen in years. The original teaser was totaly misleading as to what the movie was about. I will think twice before going to any JJ Abrams or Spielberg movie again.

11 of 36 users found this helpful1125

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10

GordonBladeJun 10, 2011

Amazing movie! A big heart classic sci-fi monster thriller!
Well, think Et meets Goonies meets Close Encounter meets Stand by me meets Jaws... As references, of course!
And Abrams and Spielberg uses these references as the veins from thisAmazing movie! A big heart classic sci-fi monster thriller!
Well, think Et meets Goonies meets Close Encounter meets Stand by me meets Jaws... As references, of course!
And Abrams and Spielberg uses these references as the veins from this body, but the body have tremendous and unique heart of its own!
Must see of the summer and many summers!… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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8

MarcDoyleJun 10, 2011

The word that kept floating to the surface as I was driving home from the theater was authentic. I'd probably score the basic story and plot framework a "7", but the movie does such an incredible job bringing me back to the late 70's, andThe word that kept floating to the surface as I was driving home from the theater was authentic. I'd probably score the basic story and plot framework a "7", but the movie does such an incredible job bringing me back to the late 70's, and the kids are so spot-on perfect in their roles, that it became an easy 8, almost a 9. Most kids in movies are nothing like the kids I knew when I was young, but Abrams (and the casting director) nailed them in Super 8. Yes, it has that E.T./Goonies irreverent feel to it, but without these kids, the movie falls apart. Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard, and the other adults are also extremely well-cast. Chandler - the acting Sheriff - is a tough father still grappling with the loss of his wife (who is also amazing in a brief snippet), and Abrams doesn't soft-shoe his relationship with his son. Elle Fanning is terrific - a star in the making. It's only the basic story that is the weak part of the film - and that may sound more damning than I mean it to me. As soon as I heard ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down" (embarrassingly my favorite song for like 3 years of my youth) open the film, I was transported back to that time and place, and it just worked. Don't want to spoil anything further - it's worth seeing. Considering that my midnight show was only half-full, I'm skeptical that it'll have a huge opening weekend. I'm just hoping that some of the Potter/Twilight/Hunger Games kids will turn out for it - though the pre-cellphone, net, ipod days of the late 70s might be tough to relate to.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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Super 8

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