JJ Abrams Does It Again

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2011)

While I think Abrams is an excellent writer and producer, I believe his real gift is directing. Following up a masterful job on Star Trek, Abrams does it again with a whole different setting and story in Super 8.
I've seen some reviews of this movie that call it boring or slow. Well, if all you want is explosions and noise, Abrams isn't that kind of storyteller. This film lets you know its going to be about emotions, relationships and characters from the very opening and it doesn't stop there.
I'm also frustrated by some reviews about poor acting. I couldn't disagree more. I thought all of the acting was fantastic. Even some of the characters like the Kaznyks who barely had any lines nailed the emotion right every time. When it comes to the kids, I think they were all wonderfully acted but none better than Elle Fanning. Wow can that kid act. Her scene at the train station in their movie was a good first glimpse of her talent, but the scene where she confessed about her dad and Joe's mom's death was amazing. That's a lot of emotion for a teenager to show.
All in all, I felt this was an incredibly well done movie. If you want a Godzilla deal or a Michael Bay explosion-riddled mess, this isn't your movie. But if you like films that focus on characters and a well told story, go see Super 8. This is the kind of masterpiece Hollywood needs more of.