Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures/Amblin Entertainment
When you buy a ticket to a film that is written and directed by J.J. Abrams (Fringe, Lost, Star Trek) and produced by Steven Spielberg, you have a preconceived notion about what you’re going to see. Super 8 exceeded every very high expectation that I had; it is an extremely entertaining viewing experience unlike any other film in current or recent release.
This movie is a brilliant intermingling of what these two masterminds bring to the table; Spielberg tugs at your heartstrings while Abrams makes your heart jump out of your chest. Watching this film, I recall exactly how I felt seeing E.T. in the theater when I was nine years old, mesmerized by what was unfolding on screen. Super 8 meticulously captures the essence and imagination of youth with an impressive combination of suspense, comic relief and emotional resonance. While the movie pays homage to many beloved Spielberg films, it is also a love letter to the family sci-fi genre in general. At various points throughout Super 8, I was reminded of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., The Goonies, Stand by Me and the television series Amazing Stories.
In today’s crowded movie landscape of blockbusters and sequels, this type of edge-of-your-seat entertainment is quite rare. While many other films of this nature and scope lack soul, Super 8 proudly wears Spielberg’s heart and Abrams’ mind on its sleeve.
Super 8 takes place in a small town in the late 1970's, in a setting and era that will render you nostalgic, regardless of when you were born. There is an unknown entity in town, and without ruining the reveal, I will tell you that it is a clever, unique and contemporary spin on what we have previously seen from this genre. The movie explores the natural curiosity and fearless nature of young teenagers, an obvious and welcome peek inside the creative childhood and brain of Abrams.
Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures/Amblin Entertainment
The relatively unknown cast of Super 8 is a pleasant and terrific surprise. There is not an ounce of Coach Taylor in Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), and Elle Fanning is a tremendously talented young actress who is likely to receive an Oscar nomination in her bright future. Joel Courtney successfully and beautifully represents the heart of Super 8, in his very first foray into the industry; I would definitely keep an eye on this young actor’s career trajectory.
As Abrams is apt to do in all of his television and film projects, there are several Easter Eggs embedded in Super 8. Without spoiling any of them for you, I will simply suggest that fans of Cloverfield, Lost, Star Trek and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (among others) pay very close attention to what isn’t necessarily presented front and center on screen.
The PG-13 rating is appropriate, as Super 8 does feature several intense scenes, violence and strong language at times. I strongly recommend this film to anyone over the age of 13, and encourage everyone to see it in the theater as soon as possible. But make sure to stay through the credits for a little something extra!
* At the screening last night, I was fortunate to receive 3 Super 8 baseball hats and 1 t-shirt (size L). If you would like to win one of these items, simply RT this article by Sunday, June 12 and you will be automatically eligible and entered!
** As a courtesy to others who not have seen the film yet, we ask that you please refrain from discussing essential plot points in the comments section below.
