Tribute rings hollow

Rating: 5/10 (28 January 2015)

The biggest thing "Super 8" has going for it is its cast of child actors. They work well together, they're relatable, and their scenes are where this movie lives and breathes. Good performances, all around. But this movie sells itself as a loving homage to vintage Spielberg, and that's where it's disappointing. Abrams brings his trademarks (always with the lens flares) but gets lost in the reverence. It feels like the key parts of "Goonies", "Close Encounters" and "E.T." but none of the wonder. No soul. This is an empty vessel - very very skillfully made, but without heart.
5/10