A fine example of nostalgic filmmaking

Rating: 8/10 (11 June 2011)

Time to return to a more glorious, beautiful, and empowering time of filmmaking. Super 8 is a nostalgic sci-fi film highly reminiscent of Steven Spielberg's 80's classics like E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and even Jaws. It's the story of a group of kids who live in a small town spending their days shooting movies with the super 8 camera. One night a train derails and very mysterious things being to happen around the town. Electrical appliances begin to disappear, dogs run away, the power around the town goes out constantly. Things get even stranger when the military arrives and it then becomes obvious that a serious situation has arisen. The film does an excellent job at reminding us what the Summer blockbuster used to be like and just how well film can captivate our imaginations and cultivate a sense of wonder in our hearts.
Super 8 tells the kind of story we can easily recognize, follow, and still fall in love with. The film starts out as a mystery before we get to learn any of what is truly going on. We get plenty of vague clues that keep our senses sharp and our interest alive. Then when things begin to get answered the wonder and imagination take over and bewilder our minds with immaculate visuals. It's always nice when an engaging story follows through from beginning to end making sure to deliver a satisfying beginning, middle, and end. There are moments along the way that tend to drag the film down a little bit and there are certain character relationships that don't seem to be going anywhere towards the middle of the film. Thankfully it all pays off by the end and what Super 8 gives us is all very satisfying.
The film's story reminds us of this simpler time of cinema, but so does the filmmaking. J.J. Abrams is an incredibly dedicated man and it is obvious that he wanted to make Super 8 in a very specific style that pleased himself and his audience of all ages. He keeps this nostalgia alive through beautiful cinematography that reflects the sweeping grandeur of the classic blockbusters we know and love today. Abrams doesn't rely on the shaky cam or an overdose of quick cuts and jumpy edits. He shoots the film with grace that excites and also mystifies. There are some awesome shots that capture a very pure vision that Abrams wanted to put forth in Super 8, making it a film with a lot of life and very high spirits.
Overall Super 8 is a great movie that is incredibly fun. The story, while faltering at times, is a joy to watch unfold and all of the technical work on the film is magnificent. The film has a great look and feel to it that just forces you to fall in love with it. You can't help but enjoy all the characters, especially with some fantastic child actors playing these excellent roles, and the film is incredibly exciting with almost non-stop action for the entire final act. Super 8 isn't a masterpiece or anything, but it certainly reminds us why we love going to the movies and it relives a great time for filmmaking. This could easily be one of the best releases this summer.