So it's a little unfair how the US got to see this baby over two months before the UK folk did, but hey, whatever. It just means that this review is meaningless over in the US, right? Maybe.

From the outset, the performances were above spectacular, and I was surprised to find that these were from the children, who led the rest of the cast with their brilliant portrayals of their on screen counterparts. Throughout the film they didn't fail to impress.

The first scene in which the kids were rehearsing their little film was amazing. I'm referring to the performance of Elle Fanning, who played Alice Dainard. The reactions to her performance by 'Joe' (Joel Courtney), 'Charles' (Riley Griffiths) and the rest of the crew was the same reaction I had after witnessing that wonderful performance by the young lady.

Speaking of the cast, the chemistry between the Fanning and Courtney was incredible; to have such chemistry on screen at such a young age isn't something that you see much these days.

The story itself was great. J.J Abrams did a great job of keeping everything under wraps until close the the final quarter of the film when everything was revealed. This, was where we saw the full extent and beauty of the production value of Super 8. It was so beautifully done; nothing over the top, it seemed just the right amount of destruction, chaos and death and all that.

There were slight touches of E.T. and Close Encounters tucked away amidst everything, but there were obvious inspirational nods to Spielberg's classic flicks.

Abrams delivered an impeccable film with so much packed in it; nostalgic moments, spectacular action scenes, and of course the customary emotional stuff.

The references to Cloverfield, Star Trek, and even Lost he put in the film gave me a chuckle, but they provided a sense of "hmm-yeah-that's-cool".

Performances: 9/10

Plot: 8/10

Visuals: 8/10

Dialogue: 7/10

Overall: 8.5/10