You can't please them all, Abrams...

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2012)

This was the perfect summer action flick to me. It was a heart-pounding popcorn flick that had a lot of heart and likable characters. Did you guys expect LOST level complexity? Some sort of Sci-Fi revelation? I read a lot of hate for 'Super 8', but I have never heard one bad review of the 1980s classic movie 'Stand By Me'. If Abrams deserves one criticism, it is for (essentially) referencing that movie a ton. This movie is about the characters, and the magic of child hood more than anything else. I think a lot of adults go into a movie like this wanting more depth or better this or better that, but this was supposed to be a family summer blockbuster, and considering the nature of the movie and the intended audience, I find it a very smart, entertaining film. It doesn't have a whole lot of instant re-watch-ability, but then again most movies don't.
In an era where 'filmmakers' buy scripts from others, I have a massive amount of respect for Abrams doing both the directing and the writing. Despite similarities to some other films and occasional (I would argue intentional) movie clichés throughout, this is a unique film, not a sequel or remake. Considering he made this, and is only now getting to his second Star Trek film, I think it is apparent how much he wanted this film made, and that kind of passion really shows in the finished product, especially when you are looking for it.