A little of this and a little of that but overall a solid fun monster movie experience

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 2011)

What would you get if you mixed the imagination and story telling of JJ Abrams with the imagination and story telling of the legendary Steven Spielberg? Super 8 that's what. You can see Super 8's tell tale inspirations from a mile away. Part E.T., Part Close Encounters, part Cloverfield, Part War of the Worlds. There is a little bit of everything rolled into one and add a coming of age story, a 70's small town setting, and a group of relate-able youngsters and you have a film that will just generally make you feel good, get excited and really enjoy every minute. Its the perfect summer, popcorn flick and there is not a thing wrong with that. It isn't quite a family film as it definitely has some dark moments, and some scary creatures but it also isn't a throw-down violent space flick either so there is a little something for everyone. Many reviews have some very common threads. Many say that there is some time based plot holes (Rubix Cube couldn't have been there, a song that was too early to be in the picture) but this is Abrams and Spielberg and their story is so well told and the adventure is so much fun that someone looking for pure entertainment can let these things slide. I certainly never thought once about any glaring plot holes. Not that there weren't any but more that I didn't care.
The urban legend is that Joel Courtney came to stay with family for the summer, ended up auditioning and landing his first role as the lead character in a JJ Abrams film. Not bad for a newcomer but I promise you this isn't the last you've seen of this kid. He has such a fresh face, and a down to earth look about him and his character is perfect in the role reminiscent of E.T.'s Elliot so many years ago. You can just sit there and think of him as you when you were coming of age (in the seventies with Aliens...it happened to us all.) Elle Fanning who is no stranger to acting gives a truly great performance as the slightly rebellious but sweet Alice who basically is meant to be the first love of every young boy and is for Courtney's character. They are cute together and have good chemistry. Riley Griffiths is terrific in a supporting role as Courtney's best friend and the man behind the lens making the 'zombie' movie with his Super 8. He doesn't stand out compared to Courtney and Fanning but I think he is meant to support them. Same could be said for Ryan Lee who plays their other friend. He has a smaller supporting role but is still vital to the story. Kyle Chandler is Courtney's father and the grieving widower and the town Sheriff. Cleverly his adult character does not overshadow the kids, they are the main characters but at the same time adults need someone to relate to, the protector, the hero and Chandler is perfect as the quiet strength behind everything. He has an emotion and a strength about it and does well.
The cast all around is good. They aren't mind blowing, they won't hear "...and best performer goes to..." but the fact is Super 8 is about the story. Yes the characters are integral to that but the story is where it lies. This is a story about a bizarre situation and a mysterious entity, and eventually a monster that is taking people prisoner. When all is said and done we discover that ultimately this 'monster' isn't so bad, in fact he's just angry and wants to go home. Super 8 plays a similar game to Cloverfield or other 'monster' movies and that is not showing you the monster until they absolutely have to. Certainly this makes for some terrific drama, and intensity and mystery but JJ Abrams knows all too well it can also open the door for huge disappointment when something is finally revealed. He dealt with this on Lost for 6 seasons. But the cool thing about Super 8 is I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the monster. He fits what you could picture, he is mysterious and disturbing and I didn't feel at all that it was disappointing. Plus the concept of his ship and putting it together makes for a very cool twist. If you want to see a great summer film don't miss this one! A terrific and fun adventure/Sci-fi flick that could become a must see classic! 9/10