It’s no secret that J.J. Abrams’ new film Super 8 is a lover letter to its producer Steven Spielberg that also pays homage to the art of filmmaking in general — especially the kind that dominated the landscape as its director was coming of age. As such, many of the reviews for the film, which is currently at a 83% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, read like the rental queue of a dude in his 30s who’s going through a nostalgic phase. Only one that we’ve read so far (Andrew O’Hehir at Salon) has managed to avoid mentioning E.T. directly, and even he alludes to “some darker-hued borrowing from Spielberg’s biggest hit.” Curious as to what other films you’ll be seeing references to when you check out Super 8 this weekend? Click through for our critical roundup.
A.O. Scott, The New York Times Close Encounters of the Third Kind E.T.
Andrew O’Hehir, Salon Persona Close Encounters of the Third Kind Phantasm Stand by Me It
Tom Long, The Detroit News E.T. Close Encounters of the Third Kind Poltergeist Goonies Stand by Me WarGames Independence Day Gremlins Duel Mulholland Drive
Dana Stevens, Slate E.T. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times The Goonies E.T. Knowing The Thing
Chris Bumbray, JoBlo Close Encounters of the Third Kind E.T. Jaws The Goonies Cocoon Stand By Me Let Me In
Kenneth Turan, LA Times E.T. Stand By Me
Steven Persall, St. Petersburg Times E.T. The Goonies Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal Close Encounters of the Third Kind E.T. Jaws
David Edelstein, New York Magazine Jaws Close Encounters of the Third Kind E.T.