That Super 8 is a love-letter to early Spielberg is without question. This is no slavish homage, however; by taking the simplicity of storytelling and emotional clarity of those movies such as E.T. and Close Encounters, Abrams has fashioned a film that deftly marries shocks with sweetness, innocence with experience and an honest exploration of themes such as grief, friendship and coming-of-age. The end of the 70s is lovingly created (Heart of Glass sounds brilliant on a Walkman, even if the equipment has to be explained for the modern audience!) and provides a setting for the children's adventures that would not quite ring as true in contemporary times. Although the first half is more credible and convincing than the later stages of the movie, the gang of children have a joy, openness and energy that runs through the film, with Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning in particular giving performances of pleasing strength and depth. Trademark lens flares make an appearance, and Abrams has created another movie with real characters, heart and spectacle - if nothing else, the extraordinary train wreck that sets events in motion (rather like the aeroplane crash that opened Lost) is worth the price of admission. By eschewing 3D and producing a non-franchise Summer movie, Super 8 shows how going back to the basics of commercial film are all that are needed - when done as well as this - to entertain successfully.
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