Super 8

If you grew up in the 1980's you remember movies like The Goonies or Stand By Me: coming of age stories that have now become cult classics. J.J.Abrams is channeling that same vibe in Super 8, and the result is a film that is part blockbuster, part homage to that decade and the films it created. And most importantly, it is really fun to watch.

The viral marketing advertisements for Super 8 were intentionally uninformative, so I didn't know much beyond the basic premise: a bunch of kids in 1981 are filming an amateur movie (on Super 8 film) when they unwittingly witness and film a massive train crash. I don't want to give away any more of the plot, because things get weird from there, and part of the joy of this movie is wondering along with the characters what is going on. The young actors are very good, and I actually liked the portrayal of teenage relationships, dysfunctional families, and young love.

J.J. Abrams has made a big name for himself with television series like Alias and Lost, and movies like the new Stark Trek. But he brings an even bigger name to the table in Steven Spielberg, the producer. At this point, Spielberg is practically a secular saint of film, and his influence on this movie is unmistakable. Super 8 is replete with references (some more subtle than others) to the classic Spielberg films of this era. That may be a distraction for some people, but for a movie about making a movie, I thought those nods seemed right a home. This is a story that has been told many times before— it's essentially a mash-up of Stand By Me, E.T., and Cloverfield—but it's a great story, told by some of the best people in the business. Super 8 is fun, moving, thrilling, and hilarious. In short, it's a must-see.

∗∗∗∗