As a project of both film-making legend Steven Spielberg and rising star J.J. Abrams, Super 8 was/is one of the most anticipated films of 2012. Many people, including myself, had very high expectations for this hyped-up blockbuster. On this project, Spielberg and Abrams not only met, but surpassed all of my expectations.
In this new era of computer generated visuals and special effects, many films (especially of the adventure and sci-fi genres)deliver outstanding visuals, but fail to establish a connection with the audience (i.e. have no "heart"). Super 8 is a clear exemption from this bothersome trend in the film industry. Super 8 delivers characters the audience may easily relate and connect to as well as all the charms of a classic monster movie while still managing to deliver frightening, suspenseful moments sure to keep you sucked in.
Super 8 places you in a charming Ohio town amidst a small group of teens intent on making a home-made zombie film who experience...let's just say an extremely strange event (no spoilers here). The roles of the teens are well casted and performed perfectly in a manner sure to keep the audience attached. It deviates from the new "norm" of films and delivers an actual, well written, story rather than two hours of meaningless fighting and explosions. That said, the special effects in the film are brilliantly executed and visually stunning. Special effects are thus used as they are meant to be, as "seasoning" to the storyline rather than as a story in itself.
The script is easily one of the best of recent years. The screams and panicked lines typical to monster movies are softened by occasional bits of humour and, to some degree, romance (albeit very little). The characters are very well developed throughout the film (a trait very rare in modern films)and deliver the aforementioned lines superbly and with emotion. The performances of the young actors/actresses are particularly excellent and extremely entertaining.
As Roger Ebert put it, ""Super 8" is a wonderful film, nostalgia not for a time but for a style of filmmaking, when shell-shocked young audiences were told a story and not pounded over the head with aggressive action. Abrams treats early adolescence with tenderness and affection. He uses his camera to accumulate emotion. He has the rural town locations right."
Super 8 gives the nostalgic,charming feel of a classic monster movie while delivering an excellent story supported by equally stunning visuals that will keep even the youngest/most modern of moviegoers on the edge of their seats. Super 8 is my current favourite for movie of 2011. Amidst several blockbusters who disappointed many moviegoers and critics (ex. Green Lantern and Transformers 3, Super 8 is a clear standout for best blockbuster of the summer (so far). If you enjoyed E.T., you will especially love Super 8.
Super 8 gets:
10 Reels out of 10
Script: 10/10
Acting: 10/10
Visuals: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
Audio/Soundtrack: 9/10
