film

Super 8, which was written and directed by J.J. Abrams with Steven Spielberg as executive producer, is a curious beast, part tribute to Spielberg's sci-fi and adventure films from the 1970s and 80s and part actual Spielberg film, albeit directed by someone else. Whatever it is, it has nostalgic charm and heartfelt storytelling to burn and a fine cast featuring Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning and Kyle Chandler in starring roles.

Set in a meticulously created small Ohio town in 1979, the story follows a group of middle school friends who are in the process of making their own amateur zombie movie with a Super 8 camera. During one of their late-night shoots, they witness a catastrophic train derailment, and soon after, strange occurrences start to plague the town.