A perfect film

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2013)

It seems like almost every movie from the past decade or so is either a pointless sequel, unwanted remake, or a special effects bonanza with no effort put into it, only money. So when a film like this comes along, it is a very special experience. To start off, this films biggest advantage would have to be it's characters. Every character is well rounded and given their own unique personality which makes them feel like real human beings rather than cardboard cutouts of people. The character of Joe Lamb is particularly likable and reminds me a lot of myself in ways. Joel Courtney did a perfect job of portraying him and I couldn't believe this was his first acting role because he came across as truly professional. Cary, who is obsessed with pyrotechnics, is also one of the most interesting characters and Ryan Lee did a good job at making him seem humorous and comedic. As a matter of fact, I don't think there was one weak performance in the entire film. Every person did a wonderful job at portraying their respective characters and deserves recognition for doing so.
I enjoy that this film took place in the 1970s. I don't think a story like this would've worked as well if it were to take place in our present decade so I think that was a wise choice and helped make the film more effective. While this film does have an extremely strong, character driven story it also has explosions and neat looking alien monster. But what sets it apart from other films with heavy special effects is that it has plenty of heart to go with them. This film can satisfy both fans of character driven films with a strong story and fans of special effects spectacles. It uses special effects to enhance the story, not to replace the story like many other films. This film also has an emotional side. Joe's mother was killed in a factory accident so now he has to live alone with his father who is the local sheriff so he spends more time working than helping his son cope with the loss of his mother. He feels like his father doesn't love him as much as he used to. Joe keeps a locket his mother gave him while she was still alive, and at the end of the movie, he lets the alien take the locket to build his ship in a moment that brings a tear to my eye every time I watch the film. He held on to the memory of his mother the entire film because he felt she was the only thing he had and the only parent who ever cared about him. But in the end after he gave his father a hug, he also gave up the locket which was symbolic of him accepting his mother's passing. He finally realized his father truly does care about him and that he does have a parent he can rely on to be there when he needs him.
Alice Dainard, brilliantly portrayed by Elle Fanning, also makes up with her father who is an alcoholic that blames himself for the factory disaster which kills Joe Lamb's mother. He worked in the same factory and skipped work that day due to a hangover so Mrs. Lamb had to take his shift. Alice forgives her father as well and begins to accept him as a parent and as a person which is also a touching moment. Overall, this is perhaps my favorite non-horror film of all time. In a world where many films are devoid of passion, this one is truly a labor of love. You can tell this film wasn't made solely to make a billion dollars. Effort and care was clearly put into the film by everyone involved and because of that it is one of the best films in years.