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Our take
The kids making a film in Super 8 witness a huge train crash, then find that a creature is loose in their town. Their friendship gives the story warmth, but the explosions, attacks and danger to the children are loud and sometimes scary. The language includes one f-word. We would wait until 13.
Uplifting themes
Friendship, letting go of grief, and standing up for each other drive the story. The kids learn that being scared does not stop them from helping Joe, Alice, and Charles show loyalty, creativity, and courage. Some adults in the story are secretive or absent, while a few grow along the way Shows how a low-budget film is made, including makeup and special effects, and gives a taste of 1979 life without cell phones
Story (may spoil tone)
In late 1970s Ohio, a group of friends filming a homemade zombie movie witness a devastating train derailment. Soon after, their quiet town is gripped by unexplained disappearances, strange phenomena, and a growing sense of fear, as they uncover that something terrifying has been set loose.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Soldiers fire on people and vehicles, a creature grabs and kills, and a…
Soldiers fire on people and vehicles, a creature grabs and kills, and a violent train derailment sends wreckage through the air. Several fights and chases carry real peril
Language The s-word is used often by kids and adults, along with hell, the a-wor…
The s-word is used often by kids and adults, along with hell, the a-word, the b-word, and one f-word later in the film. The teen boys swear freely
Sex / nudity Two kids share a first crush and a brief kiss, with a few shy, awkward…
Two kids share a first crush and a brief kiss, with a few shy, awkward moments between them. Nothing goes further, and the romance stays sweet and innocent
Drugs / alcohol A girl's father drinks heavily and appears drunk in some scenes, and ad…
A girl's father drinks heavily and appears drunk in some scenes, and adults smoke and drink in the background. Nothing about it is glamorised
Frightening A hidden creature stalks the town, with jump scares, growling in the da…
A hidden creature stalks the town, with jump scares, growling in the dark, and a spectacular train crash early on. Dark underground scenes are tense for younger viewers
Self-harm / suicide A kid makes a dark joke about suicide in a talk about movie deaths, and…
A kid makes a dark joke about suicide in a talk about movie deaths, and another brief mention comes up later. Nothing is shown
Child peril / abuse Kids are hunted by a dangerous creature, and some are held against thei…
Kids are hunted by a dangerous creature, and some are held against their will. The threat feels real, though the young characters stay brave
Gore / death / weapons The train wreck and the creature's attacks leave bodies and wounded peo…
The train wreck and the creature's attacks leave bodies and wounded people on screen, though blood is kept to a minimum. A few images are grisly in passing
Dangerous behaviour Kids sneak out at night, trespass at a rail station, and set off firewo…
Kids sneak out at night, trespass at a rail station, and set off fireworks and fake explosions for their movie. Parents may want to talk about why this is unsafe
Grief / bereavement A boy is still grieving his mother, who died recently, and he holds on…
A boy is still grieving his mother, who died recently, and he holds on to a keepsake. The funeral and his father's own sadness shape the early scenes
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Joe and his friends are scared but stick together. What helps you stay brave when something frightening happens?
- Joe is still carrying his grief for his mother. What helps people let go of something painful without forgetting it?
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Super 8
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