★★★★★★★★☆☆
First, I will admit I am a junkie for J.J. Abrams, with the exception of Mission Impossible III. So I went into this expecting to love it, and I did. Every lens flare moment of it. This is the best movie of the summer so far, that I've seen.

One thing I noticed while in line, or sitting in the theater waiting for the movie to start, was that nobody really knew what to expect. Half of the people thought it was a monster movie, even possibly Cloverfield 2, although I can't imagine too many people are running around NYC with a super 8 camera these days. A few people were expecting horror, others expecting E.T.

What the film actually turns out to be, is a total throwback to Spielberg movies of old. A small town drama, with a pinch of adventure and alien thrown in.

If I had to pick one word to describe what this film is about, I would say relationships. Fathers and their children, the relationships between young teens. teenage love. There just happens to be an alien in the background causing havoc.

What J.J. does with this film is sort of a lost art. When you present a danger around a group of people in a movie, it only works if you care about the movie. With the danger and military being a backdrop for the actual characters, when things start to heat up, you care about the kids/parents. You want them to be 'ok'

Keeping the monster hidden until the final act of the film also builds a great deal of suspense, and keeps you interested and watching each scene. One thing I did notice, You get a very clear shot of the alien's face at the gas station in a puddle of gas behind the clerk as he walks outside. I didn't notice that the firs time, but its a very nice shot.

Elle Fanning is fantastic in this film, as are all of the kids, but she is a standout.

As usual there are a ton of "Easter Eggs" scattered through the film for J.J fans, but nothing that jumps out or takes away form the movie if this is your first Abrams film. (example James Locke Jewelers is a store seen in one of the final scenes)

My biggest problem with this film is the extreme overuse of lens flares. But its just something I've come to expect from J.J. He likes them, maybe a little too much. If you thought Star Trek had a few, I think Super 8 doubles that amount. In some spots they just seem forced, and unnatural, other spots they really add to the feel of the film.

Who will enjoy this? This is a film for the masses. J.J. supefans, casual movie goers, teens and adults alike.


It is the kids that really make this movie though, outstanding performances from all involved.

I haven't decided on a rating system yet. 4 "paws" just isn't enough wiggle room, and 5 "paws" just doesn't make sense. So for now we will stick with stars.

Super 8 gets 8 out of 10, a VERY good movie!

Labels: 2011, New Release