Super 8 ***½

J.J. Abrams wrote and directed this Sci-Fi/Action film, produced by Steven Spielberg. Watch Preview Cast: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso, Noah Emmerich, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some drug use. Running time is one hour and fifty-two minutes.

A group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train derailment while making a super 8 movie and soon know it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place.

This film is classic proof the main ingredient of an entertaining movie is the plot, no multi-million dollar cast is required when you have a good story with cast members you care about. During the course of this story you do like and care about the youngsters who are the main focus. By now you are probably aware there is an alien involved and that it's not quite as lovable and benign as E.T.  But don't let that discourage you, this is a film with something for everyone and will work nicely as one an entire family can attend together and enjoy. The CGI effects are good but not overwhelming. I saw this on the IMAX screen and would recommend you watch it on the largest screen available for maximum effect. Theatres/Times. IMAX Times.