Caught on camera

Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard

Set in 1979, Super 8 tells the story of six kids who witness a catastrophic train crash while making their own 8mm zombie movie.

Shortly after the accident, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and as the local deputy tries to uncover the truth, something more terrifying and otherworldly than any of them could have imagined is revealed.

Produced by Steven Spielberg, J.J Abrams’ nostalgic sci-fi thriller is almost an homage to Spielberg’s early films – there’s echoes of ET and The Goonies in there but really Super 8 is more reminiscent of Stephen King’s Stand By Me with a few aliens thrown in for good measure.

Abrams has assembled a terrific cast, the film is beautifully shot and what makes Super 8 so good is that it is told from the viewpoint of the kids, whose emotional honesty bring a sense of reality to this fantasy thriller.

While the film lacks some of the emotional punch and heart so masterfully orchestrated by Spielberg, it does capture some of the magic, surprise and excitement of his early works. A coming-of-age monster movie for the masses – if you only see one film this summer make sure it’s Super 8.

Genre: Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Age Restriction: PG-13
Runtime: 112 min