Best Sci-Fi Adventure Since E.T.

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2011)

Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) is just a normal pre teen living in 1979. He and his friends have an affinity for Super 8 film making. However, everything starts to fall apart when an alien creature escapes from government captivity only to cause mass destruction during their filming. Joe, accompanied by a young cast, decide to continue making their film by using the disaster footage to their artistic advantage. Deep into the story, the alien abducts Joe's semi-love interest, Alice (played by Elle Fanning). This leaves Joe with a desire to come to her rescue. To me, this premise alone would have made for a great film but; the story progresses even further from there.
Joe recently lost his mother in an accident at the steel plant. Alice's father was supposed to be working that shift causing him to feel guilt and responsibility for the death of Mrs. Lamb. Tensions arise during the course of the story as Joe's father, Jackson (played by Friday Night Light's Kyle Chandler), urges his son to not have any communication with Alice or her father. The story has now made an outstanding turn: what seems to be a simple science fiction film ends up becoming an amazing story of redemption and forgiveness.
After viewing the IMAX version of this film, I was left breathless. This movie brings back everything that has been missing from movies in recent years. The moviegoer is truly given a sense of adventure that stands out in an amazing way. I believe that Abrams really brought back classic film making on this movie. I really don't think I have experienced a movie that is able to offer such a wide appeal and yet teaches a bold positive message. Also, the special effects blow just about blow away any other science fiction movie from recent years! Super 8 is simply a fast paced adventure film that will entertain all age groups.
9 Stars Out Of 10