A Tale of Two Spielbergs

Rating: 7/10 (17 August 2011)

I have been a big Abrams fan since I got into Alias those many years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the likes of Lost, MI-3 and Star Trek, and I even forgave him for putting Cloverfield out there (Am I the only person who couldn't get past the terrible acting?) So when the teaser trailers sprouted up for Super 8, it jumped to the top of my 'Things To Do in 2011' list.
After viewing the film, I found it to be... OK. It isn't the worst film I've seen this year, but I was gravely disappointed.
In great Spielberg-fashion, Abrams' attention to detail in this film is spot on. From the model trains to the bedroom posters, the '70s feel is very authentic and charming. I found the pace of the film to be good, despite many reports that some found it to be slow and boring (ADD and Xbox Live will do that to you). The child actors held their own, which is a rare thing these days. Super 8 didn't rely on visual effects, which again is a rare thing in a summer blockbuster. In many respects, this film is a success.
For me though, Abrams was trying too hard to be like Spielberg. I know that's like me complaining to my wife that she looks too much like Natalie Portman. But I couldn't help but feel like Abrams had sold out a little. JJ can bring a great deal to the table in terms of making a fairly dull concept (Star Trek) into an exciting piece of entertainment (Star Trek). Unfortunately, it was almost as if he didn't have the confidence to create a film which he could call his own. So he put Close Encounters, ET, The Goonies etc in a blender and served up what came out. He didn't need to, and that's why I'm disappointed.
Still, the Star Trek sequel is at the top of my 'Things To Do in 2013' list, and Super 8 hasn't changed that.