Future modern classic for nostalgic Spielberg fans and newer viewers alike

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2011)

It's not for nothing I use apparently contradictory terms in the title. Super 8 is a throwback to those old Steven Spielberg's movies from the 70s/80s made with modern technology. It's not made by Spielberg (only produced) but it could have been made by him. The movie doesn't look old although it takes place in 1979. There's a palpable sense of nostalgia going on and we follow the tribulations of a group of film-making boys (and girl) as a spectacular and peculiar train crash changes their lives. It would be easy to reveal too much but I'll refrain myself. I hope myself that you know as little as possible before watching this.
I'll just say that there are fantastical elements including the main one that is rather scary but ambiguous. In fact, I loved how Super 8 harked back to the old school of thought that showing less is more. This could be frustrating, but it wasn't for me because the movie was directed so expertly. In fact, I think that style of directing built up the suspense. You often see the effects but not the cause. The sound effects (especially during the train crash) were amazing and would deserve some kind of award. The special effects were seamless and my disbelief was never suspended because they looked fake or computer-generated. The boys acted quite naturally but the blonde girl was a definite stand-out. In one of the best moments, she play-acts an awkwardly written scene for the boy's amateur film and she's so good, she not only moves the boys but the viewers. The adult actors are mostly stoic but they do their job.
The father-son relationship could have been a bit better as it didn't grab me very much. I loved how the story was told without sacrificing characterization. You're never lost and it just flows well. Kudos to the director J.J. Abrahms for doing such a stupendous job at recapturing the magic of the early Spielberg films. It does make us nostalgic in more ways than one, not only for that time period but for that kind of great film. I do also think that younger viewers will enjoy it, but it is rather scary in parts so it would be best for kids 10 and older. Lest I forget, besides the suspenseful moments, there's quite a bit of humour that makes us care about the characters or gives us a little breather. That Super 8 movie at the end is hilarious.
Rating: 8 out 10 (Very good)