Super 8. A fantastic throwback to those kids movies from the 80s we all loved, with the best ensemble cast of the year.

Maybe I’ve just seen a lot of films lately, but I can’t last remember when I’ve so genuinely cared for a bunch of characters, and all credit to Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Riley Griffiths, the rest of the ragtag bunch, and J.J. Abrams, for so expertly bringing out the emotion in these kids with his writing and direction. If it’s been a long time since I’ve cared so much for a cast, it’s been even longer since the ensemble cast has largely been kids, and no, I can’t call it unique, but it’s something that has been sorely missing from cinema as of late.

There are so many beautiful, touching scenes that are still giving me chills, from the first makeup scene with Joe and Alice to the home movie of Joe and his mother, and ultimately, him letting go [apparently a little too blatant for some, but fine by me] of his mother. Then there’s the sheer, mischievous, adventurous joy of being a kid that shines through, especially Charles and his amibitious drive and direction; mint, Charlies, mint!

That train wreck sequence. If you think you’ve seen it in the trailers, boy are you in for a surprise. Wow. The most beautifully constructed piece of destruction of this year to date. The sound design, the camera work, the kids, it’s just a joy to watch.

Yes, it’s a homage to Spielberg, but Abrams has more than done his own thing with Super 8, and created a perfect blend of nostalgia, emotion and action; a combination that seems oh-so-difficult for Hollywood to successfully achieve.