As the world continues to debate the fifth and final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, there are some out there who are still jonesing for a bit of old-school nostalgia. While there are obvious favorites like The Goonies and Stand By Me that people can watch for their fix of coming-of-age adventures, a 2011 film has everything you need to take you back to when times were simpler. The best part? It was produced by Steven Spielberg, so you know it’s good.
Titled Super 8, the sci-fi adventure thriller was directed by J.J. Abrams (LOST, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and tells the story of a group of kids in the late 70s who witness a mysterious train derailment while filming their own Super 8 zombie movie. Packed full of action, heart, and emotion, Abrams did his best to channel some of Spielberg’s earlier works like E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and the result was an impressive throwback to beloved classics with sweeping set pieces, a riveting score by Michael Giacchino, and stand-out performances from the young cast.
Starring the likes of Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, and Zach Mills, Super 8 has everything Stranger Things fans could want in a movie, and more. The two share very similar DNA, including kids in peril, a supernatural mystery, disbelieving adults, and government conspiracies. By the time it’s over, you’ll likely feel that Super 8 serves as a primer of sorts for the Netflix series, and you’d be correct in that assessment. The official synopsis reads:
“In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters (Fanning, Courtney, Gabriel Basso) are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment and are lucky to escape with their lives. They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident, as a series of unexplained events and disappearances soon follows. Deputy Jackson Lamb (Chandler), the father of one of the kids, searches for the terrifying truth behind the crash.”
‘Super 8’ Scratches That ‘Stranger Things’ Itch
Boasting a Certified Fresh score of 81% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, fans were equally impressed by Abrams’ sci-fi throwback. Rating it a solid 75%, many called it “brilliant,” a “sci-fi thriller classic,” and “the perfect blend of childhood fun, family struggles, and extraterrestrial phenomena.” Some even went so far as to call it not only a mix of the hit Netflix series, but a Stephen King favorite:
“Had a lot of fun with this film. It’s as if we merged the cast of It and the environment of Stranger Things. Felt like there were areas that didn’t align with the plot, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. Well done!”
Sadly, Super 8 is currently not on any streaming platform, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. The film is still available to rent or purchase on all digital retailers for a reasonable price, and trust us, it’s definitely worth the cost of admission. This is one you’ll watch over and over again, if for nothing more than the strong sense of nostalgia you’ll get every time you press play.
- Release Date
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June 10, 2011
- Runtime
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112 minutes
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