Could be as much inspired by King as it is Spielberg

Rating: 6/10 (8 November 2011)

In the small town of Lilian, Ohio 14 year old Joe Lamb(Joel Courtney) has only just tragically lost his mother in what was a freak factory accident. Finding barely any real solace in the presence of his father(who is the towns deputy-sheriff), what little he does find is in the company of his friends who are filming an amateur Zombie flick. Directed by the portly and bossy Charles Kaznyk (Riley Griffiths) , he convinces young Alice Dainard, a pretty young girl who both he and Joe have a crush on to be the film's leading lady. While filming a night- time scene at an old train depot a pick up truck drives on to the train tracks and in front of an oncoming train, derailing it. The kids, then forced to come to terms with what's just happened soon learn that this is only the beginning of their problems as it is for their small town. Something unearthly made up part of the trains cargo and makes it's ominous presence felt when a series of seemingly inconceivable events gradually leads to the town being thrown in to chaos!
The latest project from J.J. Abrams, the clever mind behind one of TV's most cerebral enigma's which was "Lost". "Super 8" is his own undeniably affectionate Spielbergian homage, fitting as it is seeing as it comes figuratively packaged with the iconic film-maker's name on the box. It's small town backdrop and it's use of events being seen through that of children's perspectives inviting instant comparisons to Steven Spielberg's highly influential "E.T." It's never the less an alien movie but one less cutesy and certainly without a creature needing to "phone home!" Indeed Abrams is borrowing much of the schmaltzy sentiment, a notable hallmark of a man who he undeniably considers his mentor and chief counsel. But while he delivers on the requisite tugging of heart-strings the movie has a distinct feeling of de-ja-vu. Had it not been for the fact that Abrams had previously produced a certain cult monster movie named "Cloverfield". A picture which also utilised the basic tool of a film camera to forward the slight plot there wouldn't be an overawing sense of "been there, seen that about" the film.
In fact it doesn't stop there. The sentimental reflection on small town Americana could be accused of being just as influentially Stephen Kingesque. There are visibly shades of "It", "The Body"(which was brought to the big screen as "Stand By Me") and "Dreamcatcher. Where as in "The Body" the youthful Gordie Lachance was having to come to terms with the death of his older brother and is the victim of disapproving rebuke from his father, Joe Lamb has to cope with the death of his mother and try to somehow reconcile with his grieving, over-bearing father. Abrams piles on the apparent nods to familiar cinematic and literary works unashamedly although to his merit there is a deftness to the skill with which he applies and moulds it altogether although the outcome is a somewhat routine and superficial.
The show-stopping train crash that acts as the catalyst that sets the main plot in motion is however a testament to Abram's formidable talents as a director. The fact that it involves children rather than adults being thrown in to the lions den marks it out as a daring set-piece and one that no doubt was a challenging one to film.
The young cast that are undoubtedly the heart of the movie are the epitome of a rag-tag group of feisty, nerdy or just plain bossy kids. There is a likable, exuberant chemistry shared by the young actors which benefits the film so they are not irritating. Their idiosyncrasies being for the most part endearing. Although ultimately it is chiefly left to Joel Courtney to give the story it's emotional centre with both Riley Griffiths and Elle Fanning just bringing up the rear. A combination of wide eyed innocence which is monumentally shattered he also exhibits a courageous yet gentle conviction making him a worthy hero. The adult stars though don't disappoint either and offer reliably, solid support with both Kyle Chandler and Ron Eldard endeavouring to apply further emotional weight behind the film with their respective performances. But as any film of this kind it needs it's human antagonist that works as a common antagonist to both the Alien fugitive and the townsfolk which takes shape in the form of the air-force headed by Noah Emmerich's obsessive, single minded Col. Nelec. A character that could so easily have been in some part inspired by "Dreamcatcher's" merciless Col. Abraham Curtis. Brutally and efficiently militaristic with an unnerving, imposing calm he is a far cry from the more amiable and kindly government agent "Keys" played by Peter Coyote in Spielberg's "E.T."
As for the Alien itself when it finally rear's in to full view on screen while it is excellently brought to live with the most advanced state of the art CGI. It's a rather less than overawing experience seeing as it's not something we really haven't seen before. Although younger less experienced audience members may be less inclined to be as unimpressed and stare open-mouthed in wonderment or rush behind the nearest chair or sofa in fear. It's merely a less than sweet cherry on a cake of middling quality. Although not awful "Super 8" is a second rate, bitter-sweet attempt at a family friendly salute to one of cinema's leading pioneer film-makers. Honourable in intent but passable when it comes to the final analysis it will appeal more to a less demanding audience while those more cynical of us will find something of adequately diverting time-waster.