The Buffalo News rated Super 8 as the #1 Movie of 2011! 

From the Buffalo News NeXt correspondant, Danielle Grimm:

Another year has come and gone, and with it came movies of great depth, humor and sometimes both. 2011 was truly “the year of the franchise,” seeing as both the “Harry Potter” and the “Twilight” series came to a close (well, “Twilight” came to half a close). Still, franchise films aside, audiences around the world saw works of cinematic magic in 2011. Here, I have assembled the 10 films I found to be the most well-written, powerfully acted and visually appealing of the year (No. 1 being the best film of the year).

1.“ Super 8” (PG-13) If you didn’t realize the full extent of Steven Spielberg’s genius after “E. T.,” you will by the end of “Super 8.” Although the trailers made the film out to be something akin to “Cloverfield,” there is barely a comparison. While filming an amateur movie for a local filmmaking contest, a group of middle school boys (Joel Courtney, Riley Griffiths, etc.) and their female star Alice (Elle Fanning) witness a morbid train crash, caused by some sort of beast. The remainder of the film is spent following these new age “Goonies,” as they search for answers to what exactly they saw the night the train crashed. The level of talent and maturity in these young actors/actresses is mind-boggling. Each character was incredibly unique and refined; each member of the group complemented the rest, making it appear as though the kids had known each other their entire lives. The fact that “Super 8” was centered on a bunch of 11-year-olds, rather than a group of teenagers, gave the film a sense of innocence rarely found in today’s media. When all is said and done, “Super 8” was by far the most distinct story, visually appealing and powerfully acted film of 2011.

The Republic listed Super 8 as "One of the Best Films of 2011". 

“Super 8”: Writer/director J.J. Abrams has culled the best paranoia-creating moments from the ‘50s sci-fi movies and mixed them with a strong family story that swirls around Joe (Joel Courtney), a teen trying to deal with the loss of his mother. All of the sci-fi elements create a metaphor for the emotional beast that dominates the young man’s life. It’s the best blend of sci-fi and family drama since “E.T.” called home.

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.