Den of Geek places Super 8 in the Top Ten movies of 2011: 

Time will tell whether Abrams' homage to the '70s will be remembered alongside those coming of age sci-fi adventures of the past, but right now, looking back at the triumphs of 2011, it really should be. Don't be fooled, though, this is the Star Trekdirector's movie through-and-through, even if Spielberg's name was just as big on its poster.

The first smart move the film made was to cast child actors, almost exclusively supporting the film's increasingly frantic action, who could actually act. Would E.T.have been so compelling if Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore had failed to portray those pivotal emotional beats? The answer is probably no, and the cast of Super 8 are as good, if not better, than those capable child actors in taking the audience on the film's journey.

Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning are great at inhabiting the central love story, and supporting actors Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Basso and Zach Mills all hold their own. Griffiths, especially, is the film's stand-out performer, as his portrayal of hot-tempered director Charles harkens back to the ambitious director Abrams probably was during his childhood, and lends a certain integrity to the group of boys that might have been lacking otherwise.

These children are cruel to each other but love unconditionally, much like real friends might be seen to act.

According to TV Guide, Joel and Elle are "Breakout Stars of 2011". 

Newcomer Joel Courtney did an admirable job of being likeable enough without being precious in this fantastical tale. Playing Joe, he's the wide-eyed everyboy with a big dream and he earned our sympathy even more when he fell for Alice, played by the utterly arresting Elle Fanning, who performs with an ability decades beyond her 13 years. Their faces may be new, but their talent had the ability to deliver nostalgia for childhood and days of cinema gone by.

Female First lists Super 8 as one of the Best Movies of 2011: 

This may have been a 'summer blockbuster' but this is a beautifully crafted movie that is engaging from start to finish.

Hanging all your hopes on a young and fairly inexperience cast is a hug risk but one that Abrams took a punt on and pulled off.

Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Riley Griffiths, Zach Mills, Gabriel Basso and Ryan Lee are all superb in their lead role - Courtney in particular is superb as Joe who is struggling to deal with the death of his mother.

There is a very warm and genuine friendship between them that really does feel very real and pushes the story forward.

From Hollywood Soapbox:

The best thing about the movie is Abrams’ obvious love for Spielberg’s résumé, whether it be E.T. orClose Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s so great to have an intelligent science-fiction movie hit cinemas. Although Spielberg helped progress the genre in the 1970s and 1980s, it should by no means be untouchable for today’s directors. Super 8 is an homage, but it’s very much a solid film in its own right.

Courtney is a solid actor at such a young age (again, reminding me of Henry Thomas in E.T.). Too often great movies are vilified for the young stars at their helm. Super 8 thankfully has a cadre of impressive actors, both young and old.

Social reviews Super 8:

Much of Super 8 and its story relies on the child actors, who carry the film perfectly. They steal the scenes from the older cast members and easily pull viewers into their world. While the older actors aren’t terrible—not in the slightest—they can’t hold a candle to the younger stars. Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney show so much promise at such a young age that one certainly hopes to see more of them in the future.

TV Guide lists Joel and Elle as "Breakout Stars of 2011"

Newcomer Joel Courtney did an admirable job of being likeable enough without being precious in this fantastical tale. Playing Joe, he's the wide-eyed everyboy with a big dream and he earned our sympathy even more when he fell for Alice, played by the utterly arresting Elle Fanning, who performs with an ability decades beyond her 13 years. Their faces may be new, but their talent had the ability to deliver nostalgia for childhood and days of cinema gone by.

Here's a snippet from the Super 8 Bonus Features on how Joel met Elle Fanning.