Engaging, suspsenful, and quite funny- but a bummer final act

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2020)

Although at times it seems to have a great premise, and a great story throughout, Super 8 loses its full potential by the end credits. The first 2/3 of the film are incredibly entertaining, suspenseful, and quite funny. However, by the films final act, the tone seems to shift, and all together, it just feels flat. The acting throughout the film is pretty solid, with Elle Fanning providing the best performance from the kids and the adults. The cinematography is quite brilliant, and the special effects are truly terrific. I was not a huge fan of how the film ended, but unlike those who despised the film for being an unoriginal homage to Spielberg, I simply didn't think it was very impactful. The last 20 or so minutes of the film felt pretty dull, and I began to lose interest, which kinda bummed me out. Abrams, who directed, produced, and wrote the film, seems to have a problem finding a true end to the work he seeks out to accomplish, and every time he attempts to do, it seems to be one of 2 things- a cliffhanger, or a lousy ending. In the end however, Abram's vision for most of the film is certainly a very entertaining and thrilling ride. It's sci-fi antics and suspense are very entertaining to watch, even if it loses its way from time to time.
My Rating: 8.75/10