The child actors in this film are fantastic, especially Riley Griffiths as the 'director' Charles Kaznyk. It is essentially two stories in one: the kids making a film for a contest and trying to find production value; and the quest by the military to capture an escaped alien. Although brilliantly done, there are a number of flaws. The train crash sequence is absolutely brilliant, but it seems too incredible that no one got hurt during all this. Also, despite all the chaos and explosions, the camera is still found exactly where they left it. And with containers and debris raining all over, their car is still left intact - not a scratch! This is simply not believable. And then they simply drive off - the tires would surely be punctured by all that debris.I found the ending also too much of an E.T-ish happy ending. The creature in 'Super 8' is a destructive killing machine, yet at the end the sentiment is "ahh, he just wants to go home". Uhm, not believable. It would have been great to see a climatic battle at the end with the military killing the monster. The ending is not suited for this film. Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable, action packed, thrilling adventure.

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

'Super 8' starts off promisingly enough, but after the initial scenario is set (in spectacular fashion), the film's lack of ideas are quickly exposed and it nose-dives fast. Technically it's very impressive - well produced and the CGI/special effects are excellent and realistic, but visuals only get you so far. When you dig beyond the surface, there's nothing impressive about 'Super 8' at all. It's no different to 90% of other sci-fi films that have come before it.It's a distinctly average sci-fi thriller that borrows virtually all of its ideas from elsewhere. Despite all the action sequences, explosions and other special effects, the generic, shallow plot and uninteresting characters make it a completely forgettable film. The glowing reception it received on release is baffling, especially from the critics. 'Super 8' gets an average 5 from me.

Looked and sounded amazing. Boom! Slightly forgettable blend of Stand by Me (1986) and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Had some enthralling action and very well acted. I was engrossed by the action and loved the concept and setting but the story felt pretty unimaginative.