MOVIE REVIEW ... SUPER 8

 

Hollywood is in a nostalgic mood these days.  This would account for so many sequels, remakes and movies echoing the spirit of those from yesteryear.  Super 8 continues this tradition with a type of movie rarely seen.  Filled with genuine soul and yet highly entertaining, this coming of age/sci-fi mash up works.  Due to J.J. Abrams astute direction it reveals that even America’s cinematic money-men can be sentimental.

In 1979 a group of friends make a film with their Super 8 camera.  Filming what they think is a masterpiece, their efforts are quickly forgotten when they witness a train crash.  Days after the event, people mysteriously vanish and Joe (Joel Courtney) and Charles (Riley Griffiths) attempt to find answers.  Helped by Joe’s father Deputy Sherriff Jackson (Kyle Chandler) they discover something inhuman has escaped and attempt to prevent their town from being destroyed.

Super 8’s story is obviously close to J.J. Abrams heart.  Admitting he learnt his trade as a youngster with that very device, he’s part of a current generation who are now making films.  Which is just as well as this is a very fine production recalling E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Given Steven Spielberg produced this it shouldn’t come as any surprise with the long missing element of youthful wonder making a welcome return.  As the young friends deal with this alien menace, their own personal issues are shown in believable ways as to give added textures.

Like his re-make of Star Trek, Abrams keeps it simple - a group of people deal with an alien menace – the end.  It makes a refreshing change from many recent over-blown epics with some good characterisation enabling one to care what happens.  Whilst the CGI alien is mostly hidden, its appearance somewhat goes against the concept of harking back to less CGI reliant films. Maybe that was too much to ask for these days, although it doesn’t spoil what is a very well made ode to a bygone era.

One can only extend gratitude to those involved with Super 8’s creation as it consistently entertains.  Nostalgia may not always be what it’s cracked up to be, but occasionally looking back can be comforting with Super 8 a wistful reminder of how good commercially minded films once were.

Movie Review Rating 9 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Super 8

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

Official HomePage click HERE