Writer/director J. J. Abrams' new film SUPER 8 is an homage to the classic works of its producer, Steven Spielberg. It combines the sci-fi wonder and awe of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND and E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL with the roller coaster scares of JAWS, but it's the film's genuine emotional core and themes of loss and acceptance that keep it from sinking into mere nostalgic pastiche.
As SUPER 8 begins, twelve year old Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) is dealing with the death of his mother. Guests at the funeral home talk about how Joe's father Jack (Kyle Chandler) will step up and be more of a parent, but four months later father and son barely see each other, let alone talk about their mutual loss. Jack throws himself into his work as deputy sheriff of Lillian, OH, while Joe finds solace doing make-up work for a Super 8 zombie film being directed by his friend Charles (Riley Griffiths).
