Super 8

Before I continue, I want to say that Super 8 has absolutely NOTHING to do with Spielberg's E.T.

So, what the heck is this movie about?

Here is a kind of film that you will either love it or hate it. Director J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) and Producer Steven Spielberg collaborate in Super 8, a movie that does not fall within the typical sci-fi/alien genre. Super 8 is set somewhere in Ohio during the late 1970's (1979 to be specific), a seemingly ordinary town with a seemingly ordinary community. Guess what happens next? Yeah, you got it! Weird, unexplainable things begin to happen: people disappear, full-blown out train wreck, strange creatures walking around the bushes, etc. Don't worry, this movie has more to it.

Let's make a movie!

We're introduced to our young male lead from the get-go, Joe, and his group of film aficionado friends. In his group of friends we have the director (his best friend), the actress(his crush), the light guy, and on and on. Pretty stereotypical all-American group of friends we got here. During one summer evening, they all decide to make a movie near some old railroad tracks, but trouble soon finds them when a mysterious man drives onto the tracks and derails the entire train, while the kids manage to escape without a single scratch. Of course, now the question floats around: who and why?

"What the hell..."

Without giving too much away, the movie does go further in-depth and things actually begin to make sense. As the kids pretend to be oblivious about the train wreck, people begin to disappear randomly, dogs run away, lights flicker unpredictably, etc. This goes on for about a good thirty or so minutes. But during this time, we begin to see the relationship between Joe and Alice (Elle Fanning) grow. We also find out early in the film that Joe's mother passed away due to some tragic incident, which the story emphasizes a lot on. From then on, Joe's main conflict is to move on and finally 'let go' of his mother's death. To get this out of the way, the movie isn't just about some alien invasion in a town; it's more a drama-based movie with elements of sci/fi.

I wonder where my dog went...

The general audience expected another Cloverfield due to the misleading teaser trailer. However, Super 8 does not fall into the pit of cliches fortunately. But what was so different about Super 8 was that there was no surprise to it, which doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing. Just don't expect to be amazed by some incredible twist. Character development is an essential part of the storyline: the romance between the two leads, the two leads' parent's conflicts, and friendship drives the story for the most part. The entire alien theme felt like an allegory/metaphor, which parallels the character's conflicts throughout the movie. In the end, what you get is a good, family-orientated storyline rather than a meaningless action-packed movie.

What is that thing?!

Again, Super 8 is not your typical sci/fi movie. There is no huge surprise, but it gets the job done well. Performances are great, editing is slick and well executed. The plot is heavily carried by the lead's personal conflict, not the aliens. What could potentially come out of all of this is a pretentious movie about kids with big mouths running around, or you can simply enjoy it for what it is. Abrams does a fine job directing and adding the popular lens flares to share a nostalgic movie-going experience. Don't expect another E.T., but, instead, anticipate something different and innovative. I thoroughly enjoyed Super 8 and I recommend it.

Grade: B+