Super amazing!

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2011)

Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, SUPER 8, is an alien invasion flick that takes place in 1979 Ohio. A group of middle-schoolers led by producer, writer, director want-to-be Charles(Riley Griffiths)plan on spending the summer making a zombie movie. His best buddy Joe(Joel Courtney)is troubled by the recent death of his mother; but is an important cog to the production. The oh-so too cute Alice(Elle Fanning)is talked into playing the female lead, well only female role; and it is obvious she is the one breaking all the guy's hearts. In the process of filming at a small train station right after midnight, the kids witness a horrific train accident involving their science teacher. During all the confusion a lot of the chaos is unknowingly filmed. Mysterious disappearances begin happening and when the Air Force arrives to investigate, Joe's deputy sheriff dad(Kyle Chandler) wants the truth on why the town is being evacuated.
Surprisingly efficient acting from a cast of mostly unknown young actors. Abrams' presentation is spirited, humorous and enjoyable to watch; and makes it very easy to like the characters. Part of the cast: Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Gabriel Basso, Britt Flatmo, Jessica Tuck, Ron Eldad and Joel McKinnon Miller. The story gives a feeling of throwing your emotions and memories back to the good old days. The brightest spot for me is Ms. Fanning. There is also the bold stamp of Steven Spielberg all over SUPER 8; and that isn't a bad thing.