Super 8

Super 8 is a thrilling return to movie magic of old, filled with wonder, horror and chills.

Cela dit, en raison de ses naïvetés et de ses facilités narratives, Super 8 s'adresse en priorité au public des préadolescents, qui sauront s'identifier aux personnages, bien dessinés par Abrams. Celui-ci signe une mise en scène à la manière de Spielberg, qui s'avère certes efficace, mais impersonnelle par la force des choses.

Au final, l'impression d'avoir été convié à un buffet où trop de plats étaient offerts. Certains, dont on aurait voulu davantage. D'autres, sentant le réchauffé. Mais, comme c'est habituellement le cas dans ce type de repas, on finit par trouver satisfaction et on en sort rassasié.

Steven Spielberg et J.J. Abrams payent un hommage sincère aux films d'une autre époque, à ces longs métrages honorables qui faisaient passer l'histoire et les personnages bien avant les effets spéciaux et la 3D. En résulte une des meilleures productions américaines de la saison estivale.

They don't make films like they used to - except when they make films like they used to. From the title on down, the new Steven Spielberg-produced, J.J. Abrams-written/directed sci-fi smash Super 8 is a fun-filled, reverential nod to the outlandish summer films of yore.

While I had some minor issues with Super 8 (including some plot holes that, in an effort to avoid spoilers, I won't address here), they didn't really hamper my enjoyment of the film too much. It wasn't the game-changer some are hoping it'll be, but it's nonetheless an extremely entertaining, affecting and nostalgic family adventure. This is a must-see folks.

Although the impressive Fanning's presence carries with it some contemporary associations, as well as passing thoughts of her older sister Dakota's role in Spielberg's War of the Worlds, Super 8 has been cast in a solid but unglamorous manner befitting the common folk setting.

This sci-fi thriller has an engrossing plot and a strong cast of fully drawn characters. There's even a sweet youthful love story. In other words, it's a summer blockbuster firing on all cylinders.

Pulses will pound and palms will sweat. But nothing works without a human connection. The monster that ate Manhattan in Cloverfield, which Abrams produced in 2008, lacked a soul. In Super 8, Abrams makes us care. This movie, a true beauty, will put a spell on you.

While the ending is flawed, Super 8 is a chiefly a wonderful cinematic experience that mixes terrific performances, edge-of-your-seat thrills and excellent camerawork.

You know that, in the homestretch, big battles will be fought, lessons will be learned, the elusive monster will be revealed and other loose ends will be tied up. You may wish it did not all happen in such a perfunctory, predictable way.