By Kareem Anti

In what’s felt like a year of remakes and unnecessary sequels it’s refreshing to watch an original film that's as excellent as this is. Super 8 captures what a trip to the movies should feel like: a nostalgic,
magical journey in which to sit back and immerse yourself.

Super 8 transports audiences back to the 1970’s were we meet Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney), a teenager
dealing with the recent death of his mother, a disconnected father (Kyle Chandler) and a demanding
shooting schedule for his best friend Charles’ (Riley Griffiths) amateur horror film. While filming a scene
at the local railway station with leading man Martin (Gabriel Basso), hilarious extra Preston (Zach Mills) and the newest addition to the team Alice (Elle Fanning), the children witness a horrifically
destructive train crash. The mysteries that result from this even will change their lives forever

Definitely more Abrams then Spielberg (although his influence doesn't go unnoticed), Super 8 may well be one of the best films of the year.

Abrams beloved "Mystery Box" style of storytelling lends itself to the film nicely. The audience is constantly teased with little bits of information until all is slowly revealed. The action is used only when appropriate, but executed in a visceral, excessive style with which you can’t help but be impressed.

But don't be fooled by the trailer: this is not a kids a movie. Sure the children are the primary focus of Super 8, but the journey they undertake and emotions they feel are very adult in nature.

Usually my biggest gripe with Abrams's style is his underformed characters; their motives tend to be as cryptic his films and television shows, alienating the audience. That's not the case here. In fact, it very much feels as though Speilberg had more of an input than simply producer. The characters' life and heart definitely feels like a Spielberg touch. For close to two hours I felt as though I was Joe: I felt his excitement, fear and sadness. It’s this connection with its character’s that makes Super 8 such a triumph.

The film’s success also rests heavily upon the shoulders of these child actors, and thankfully they make every scene count. There is some real upcoming talent in Super 8’s cast notably Courtney and Fanning, who are surprisingly engaging, believable and all-round great presences. Kyle Chandler is sensational
as Joe’s father and his emotional performance complements the rest of the cast.

But Super 8 is not perfect. Unfortunately, the second half of the film struggles to maintain the level of
excitement set by the first, mostly due to uneven pace. Certain segments drag on when others go by so fast
you don’t have time to process them. But these are small gripes in an otherwise fantastic journey.

The ending, although predicable, is quite moving and after the credits roll (which you should stay for hint
hint) a few home truths about the focus of the film are revealed. Ultimately it’s about death, love, friendship and finding your way home.

So go to the cinema, bring your inner child along and bask in the magical aura that is Super 8.