Film Review: Super 8

"Don't worry guys, we look way better then those dumbasses on That 70s Show."

Super 8 (2011)

Overall Score: 91%

Certified: Royal Swan    

Score Breakdown:

Performance: 95%   Plot: 85%   Script: 90%   Visuals: 95%   Music: 85%

Super 8 (2011)

Director: J.J. Abrams

Writer(s): J.J. Abrams

Producer(s): Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Buk

Distributor(s): Paramount Picture

Country: United States

Language: English

Starring: Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, etc.

Studio(s): Bad Robot Productions, Amblin Entertainment

MPAA Rating: PG -13

Runtime: 112 Minutes

Super 8 is one of those magical movies you will never want to stop. Set in a fictional town called Lillian in Ohio in the 1979, it tells a group of pre-teens that are trying to make a movie, when a train crashes when they are filming. It turns out, the train was bringing something otherworldly, something bestial, a creature or some sort. J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg got their hands on the movie, and from the trailer, I already know that this is gonna be a great movie. It's good to know that I'm not disappointed after I've watched it.

Dakota Fanning's shadow is not to be cast over her little sister, Elle Fanning. Elle gave a spectacular performance as the ignorant popular girl. Her performance was natural and believable, a perfect match for Joel Courtney. Super 8 is Joel's first debut as far as I know, in the entertainment movie. And boy, he's gonna be so big as this movie is a big success, a big break for him. The duo reminds me of the pair in Let Me In (2010), Chloë Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Where the young female lead built a wall, making her an object of desire as she is dark, quiet, mysterious and alluring. And where the male lead is the only one the female lead could fall for as he is kind, naive, and gives out that good persona. Elle's character is one of those girls who can hang around guys, without being a tomboy or a slut. Love it. 

Every other character is portrayed very well, but the other most notable performance is by Riley Griffiths and his portrayal as the best friend, movie director, professional, and bossy Charles Kaznyk. He's so bossy, like a little big man, it's too cute. Also, I saw AJ Michalka in the movie. She plays a minor character but quite important in the end. I still wish they had given her a much longer dialogues and more appearances in the movie. The Michalkas can sure act. I don't know why she keeps getting minor roles, like in The Lovely Bones (2009) on totally major films. It's a good thing her sister, Aly Michalka got a quite major role for a minor character on Easy A (2010).

This movie is a perfect Clovetfield (2008) for the younger set. J.J. Abrams directed and wrote the movie. The story line is very intriguing. The mystery in the movie is set in the right amount, right in the middle of a youthful and adventurous summer. The only thing that dissapoints me is the cliched ending. Well to start it off, the whole movie is basically a 70s cliche. It all got so good until the last scenes of the ending. Well, it still is good, but I think, for me, it gets a little to young and childish - a childish heroic ending. But I still love the whole thing. The suspense of the movie is well kept, as you can only see the extraterrestrial creature towards the end. The funniest thing is, that this movie gave out like a little extras in the credits. Where you can see The Case, the short zombie themed love story that the group were making throughout the movie. It's really adorable.

The script gives more life and character for the characters, especially the gang. The members of the gang, you can actually define them based on how they say things. Also it gives a lot more edge to the characters. They are a bunch of 12, 13 year old guys who curses like a sailor (especially Charles), and that gives attitude, more wit and a sense of adolescence - as they try to look mature by cursing and being such know-it-alls. The movie also gave out stunning sceneries and gaudy lighting. The score and music selections also backs up the oh-so-all-American settings, sceneries and landscapes. Don't get me started on the computer graaphics, because it is definitely held in good hands.

Go see this movie. This is I think, one of the best highlights for Summer 2011 movies besides other franchises like Transformers and Harry Potter. Go see this movie. It's one of those movies that can bring you back in time and preserves it. It's heartfelt, young, honest,  quick, fun and nostalgic. It warms your heart as it pace it faster.

+R