Super 8 (2011)

During the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town. (IMDb)

With its nostalgic setting and strong young cast playing a loveable group of adolescent boys (with a tragic lead) caught up in a very “adult” situation, the film recalls “Stand By Me”, but with a sci-fi mystery twist–and while this results in less character depth than that of the 1986 classic, it also gives the plot more drive and intrigue, although that in turn is fumbled in a shoddily-written conclusion. Flaws aside though, this is still a unique, great-looking, and highly enjoyable flick.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

Stand By Me (1986)

After the death of a friend, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy. (IMDb)

A gorgeous nostalgia-drenched boyhood adventure tale that’s more than just loveable characters, slapstick mishaps, and funny one-liners: A remarkable young cast (with a strong supporting turn by a greasy Sutherland) delivering effortlessly natural performances (their retro middle-school banter is golden) brings to life a superb script that puts childhood wonder and imagination next to the adult themes of death and tragedy to create a truly authentic and affecting adolescent character study.

8/10 (Great)