The Cornell Daily Sun's Top 10 Cinematic Experiences of 2011

From the Cornell Daily Sun: 

Super 8 is the kind of once-in-a-blue-moon film that reminds us why we love going to the movies. Directed by Lost mastermind J.J. Abrams, the sci-fi adventure overflows with action, humor, nostalgia and love. It follows a group of youngsters in the ’70s who set out to make a zombie thriller, but instead come upon something much bigger and scarier that changes their innocent lives and those of everyone else in their tiny Ohio town. The soul of the film is Joe Lamb, whose wide-eyed curiosity and heroic courage is upheld by adorable and talented newcomer Joel Courtney. His performance, as well as those of his preteen costars, is so natural that we almost feel like we’re watching the kids’ hilarious banter as part of a homemade feature from Abrams’ own childhood. The best performance of the bunch, though, is from Elle Fanning, who deserves all the fame and recognition that she will undoubtedly receive in her future. Take note of the scene-within-a-scene she performs early on in the film; her monologue breaks the boys’ hearts, and it will break yours, too.