Super 8

Name: Super 8
Genre: Sci-Fi
Released: June 10, 2011
Duration: 112 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Amanda Michalka, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler

2011

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 41 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 814 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 814 Ratings

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SUPER 8

Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: June 10, 2011

Starring: Amanda Michalka, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler

Summary: In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifyingIn the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined. (Paramount Pictures)
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Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre(s): Sci-Fi

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 112 min

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Awards & Rankings

8	#8 Most Discussed Movie of 2011
33	#33 Most Shared Movie of 2011

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

San Francisco Chronicle - Mick LaSalle

Jun 9, 2011

The pacing is superb, quick and agile without being frenzied, and the special effects are jaw-dropping. Read full review

Wall Street Journal - Joe Morgenstern

Jun 9, 2011

This new film isn't perfect, and may not be a world-changer, but it's certainly a world-pleaser. Read full review

Portland Oregonian - Shawn Levy

Jun 9, 2011

It's spirited and funny and deeply entertaining, a summer movie for kids who think like adults and adults who feel like kids. Read full review

Charlotte Observer - Lawrence Toppman

Jun 9, 2011

Super 8 takes its place among the best B-grade science fiction movies of this generation by copying the best of the past 50 years. Read full review

Movieline - Stephanie Zacharek

Jun 9, 2011

The timing couldn't be more opportunistic for a new Steven Spielberg movie that mines the thrilling uncertainties of childhood - even if it happens to have been made by J.J. Abrams. Read full review

New York Daily News - Joe Neumaier

Jun 9, 2011

This uneven but often charming movie produced by Spielberg gets so many things right, including its practiced naivete. What's missing, however, is a crucial sense of connection to itself. Read full review

Boxoffice Magazine - Todd Gilchrist

Jun 2, 2011

It's in the moments Abrams attempts to combine emotional payoffs with popcorn-style thrills that the film rings most false. Read full review

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User Reviews

Just_A_Guy

Jun 11, 2011

Original. Superb acting (and yes, they're just kids!) - but this adult has nothing but admiration for the casting, pacing, direction, and whatever else goes with film making - yes, "super 8"! I'm not sure why some are trying to compare this with "ET"? This adult (ok old man), thinks thisOriginal. Superb acting (and yes, they're just kids!) - but this adult has nothing but admiration for the casting, pacing, direction, and whatever else goes with film making - yes, "super 8"! I'm not sure why some are trying to compare this with "ET"? This adult (ok old man), thinks this is more along the lines of "Goonies" - yes, that other classic, sprinkled with more thrill/suspense. Excellent mix of action and comedy - never cheesy nor "forced" - something most more "mature" films should learn how to do - I think we've all suffered through one or two lines in some movie that just try "too hard".

Unsure what the "kid meter" for this film is. It should be great for the entire family - but again, this is not "ET" - it has more suspense and action in it and the underlying theme isn't as "wholesome".… Expand

11 of 15 users found this helpful114

TheQuietGamer

Jan 30, 2012

After watching this movie I can describe it in one word and that word is masterpiece, I was blown away, it's emotional, intense, touching, funny, sweet, and a kinda scary at times, the characters are all very well done and thought out, and the writing is pure genius, I do have one or twoAfter watching this movie I can describe it in one word and that word is masterpiece, I was blown away, it's emotional, intense, touching, funny, sweet, and a kinda scary at times, the characters are all very well done and thought out, and the writing is pure genius, I do have one or two complaints but they all seem extremely small in comparison to the overall movie, and it is 100% deserving of a perfect 10, it's very rare that a movie like this one comes out, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible you wont be disappointed.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Danface

Nov 12, 2012

A glorious film, excellently acted and with a intreguing story. The train crash is probably the most spectacular explosion in cinema history. Let down slightly by it's ending, but I heartily recomend this as Sci-Fi classic.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

j30

Nov 25, 2011

Going in, I didn't expect this movie to be so emotionally engaging. This really well made film by J.J. Abrams', whose love for film, especially the 80's time period, is painted all over the screen. The movie feels like a mixture between E.T. and The Goonies.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Meth-dude

May 17, 2015

The story was interesting and the acting from the kids was descent but,the movie seems very long and boring.There is a lot of unnecessary characters and the movie is not that entertaining but,it was still a good movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

warfield

Dec 29, 2011

Disappointing, especially since I chose to watch based on mostly high marks from crtics. Anne Hornaday for the Washington Post had it about right in her review. Started out promisingly enough. Final thoughts: dialog bad;, character development weak; the alien embarrassingly bad; and a movieDisappointing, especially since I chose to watch based on mostly high marks from crtics. Anne Hornaday for the Washington Post had it about right in her review. Started out promisingly enough. Final thoughts: dialog bad;, character development weak; the alien embarrassingly bad; and a movie pubescent boys might like. Glad I rented DVD and not paid for ticket or bought DVD.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

emirbud

Jun 26, 2011

This movie is boring, dull, and uninteresting. The plot is unimaginative and plain dumb. Hard to believe Spielberg signed his name to this. Initially, I thought of scoring it one, but then I thought... NAH!

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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