Super 8 Reviewed by The Pine Log

From The Pine Log: 

Spielberg understands that film is a form of storytelling. And all great stories have one thing in common: great characters. People that you can relate to, that have enough depth to them so that you feel you know them and have grown fond of them in just 90 minutes.

The father-son relationship between the town sheriff Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler) and his son Joe (Joel Courtney) is very touching and well done, particularly by Courtney. Also, the chemistry between Joe and Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning) has that sweet middle school crush feeling to it that's endearing and takes you back to a simpler time in life.

The cinematography is beautiful, and the film's art direction gives the film a Spielberg feeling to it as well: a small town in 1979 that still feels likes it's in the 1960's, where kids can ride around the neighborhood on their bikes day or night.

Joel Courtney
Wings of Poesy reviews "Super 8"

From Wings of Poesy: 

The stars of the film are a group of young actors, including, most notably, Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb who displays a mature and heartfelt performance. We follow his story as he tries to overcome the death of his mother at a young age, whilst doing a normal childhood hobby making a horror film with his mates. Riley Griffiths’ comedy element as Charles stole the show for me, adding an element of childhood rivalry for the affections of young actress Alice played by Elle Fanning.

The scene where the bunch of film makers realise it was no accident what they had caught on camera is the best scene of the film for me. It evokes a strange, supernatural feeling when the youngsters meet their old school teacher, Overmyer (Richard T. Jones) who tells them not to say a word as they will find you. This intrigues audiences into who they were and keeps the mystery and suspense going. The events become linked and the children find themselves understanding not only human bravery but friendship as well.

The film is a mixture of sci fi and action adventure and well worth a watch. Overall, I would say go and see Super 8 for the child in you, it will bring back memories of what we go to the cinema for: magical escapism and adventures of the unknown. It’s an Abrams and Spielberg classic that families will keep for generations to come.

Joel Courtney
DVD movie review: Super 8

From BuzzSugar: 

The plot of Super 8 actually having some similarity with Stephen King’s genre but what really impresses me is the way JJ Abrams delivers his story - suspense and thrilling.

CGI, cinematography and soundtrack are great but will never surpass the casting part. The chemistry between the kids no matter both friendship and romance is palpable alongside I am totally drawn into the cuteness in Joe’s (Joel Courtney) his pout and also Charles’s projected natural sense humor.

Joel Courtney