Super 8 - Elements of greatness

Rating: 7/10 (16 June 2011)

I really wanted to like Super 8, I really did. I wasn't following it's production avidly, however, I have been impressed by J.J. Abrams previous works and seeing that he has proved himself to be able to do a monster movie very well (Cloverfield) I felt he would conquer this "unknown creature" tale as well.
During the first half of the movie I was kept interested. There is a definite nostalgic feel to the film with its setting and its young gang of characters - highly reminiscent of "The Goonies" as many people have already pointed out. Albeit the over the top CGI fest of an accident scene that you are more likely to laugh at than suspend your disbelief over, the first half was suspenseful and you really felt like the foundations of something epic were being laid.
Yes this is a cliché ridden movie, however, Abrams technique of keeping the creature hidden but uncomfortably close that he did so well in "Cloverfield" builds great suspense.
During the second half of the film everything changes. The cliché hill is now a mountain, the plot holes are now caverns, the suspense is hard to find. It almost feels like it was too rushed and culminated in an unsatisfying unoriginal ending.
I think the main problem with Super 8 is that it tried to do far too many things and thus could not do a single one of them greatly. If you are a fan of monster movies or alien movies - then this movie is not for you, do not waste your money. The unknown creatures origin is still unknown, many details glossed over and the creature design uninspired. Many claim that this movie wasn't about the monster, but for many of us it certainly was marketed in that way.
The coming of age story presented to us has been done before. I understand Abrams was making a homage to Spielberg but it was too much, there was nothing that you cannot see coming and the only child actor that is believable is Elle Fanning.
Thus Super 8 fails on both accounts of trying to be a creature feature or a coming of age story. This isn't a bad movie, it is just not a good one. The calibre of people behind this project hinted at something greater but it ended up being an ordinary movie. I wouldn't suggest watching this in the cinema, save your money and watch it on TV when it's available.